UK Helpline: 0345 123 2304 | tcf.org.uk “I found some relief by distancing myself from some negative family members. I realised that I had to care for myself at this time and not tie myself up in knots listening to them.” Reactions to our child’s death beyond close family and friends Many people will have heard the news: friends, neighbours, and staff in our child’s school, college or workplace. The police, and sometimes the media, may be involved. There may be discussions on social media. Some of these conversations may be uplifting, but we may also feel frustrated by inaccuracies or incomplete information that is shared, or deeply hurt by unkind comments. Later on, the publicity following an inquest might bring negative – or even false – reporting of stories about our child. We may also find that the media resurrect our child’s story many times, even years later, when deaths in similar circumstances occur. It may be useful to decide early on how we want to deal with all of this. There is no reason to feel obliged to share details about our child’s death or their previous life circumstances with anyone that we do not wish to. However, some of us find that it works out best if we do give at least some basic information to people we see often, such as work colleagues, immediate neighbours, members of the gym or classes we attend, and so on. Not only can this prevent the spread of unfounded rumours, but it also usually leads to us being shown additional kindness and support.
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