Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy My DS and the death of his grandpa.

I am sorry about your loss. I offer my condolences.

Hoagies has a list of therapists that specialize in gifted children if you are inclined to go that way http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/professionals.htm; the list is limited, but maybe you'll find there is one in your area. I imagine SENG has some information as well.

when someone is fighting a life-threatening disease, the family tends to rally around and support and give hope. Even as an adult, I am always stunned when someone dies despite all that hope and community; it's a little as if my brain can't prepare for that possibility when I'm so hopeful that it will turn out ok. Your son may be feeling like "the rug got pulled out from underneath him".

You mentioned that you are Christian; he may have been praying that his grandpa get better. I understand that children tend to personalize events. Your son may feel like he didn't pray hard enough, or that he let your FIL down in some other way. I think you probably want to be sure to identify the things your son could do for your father in law, and the things he couldn't do. The conversation may get pretty deep pretty fast.

I would also make sure he knows that your whole family is grieving and that everyone grieves in a different way. Let him know that just because you or your husband may be continuing in your daily routines doesn't mean that your heart isn't breaking.

All the best to you as you navigate this challenging time.