Despite a growing bereavement literature, relatively little is known about what families find helpful after a child’s death and how best to assist them during the grieving process. This qualitative study explored advice from 40 families (65 parents, 39 siblings) of children died who cancer 6–19 months earlier. Content analysis emphasized the individual nature of grief and revealed advice that fit into three temporal categories: before the death, soon after, and long-term. Findings are discussed in the context of contemporary theory and provide insight into the development and timing of grief interventions.

Results partially support the utility of an integrated model including cancer-related stress, coping, and NA in identifying children at risk for internalizing symptoms during treatment. Additional research is needed to inform interventions for this population.

Despite being more likely to repeat a grade and miss school, survivors of nonCNS cancer were similar to peers on most educational and occupational outcomes during the transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood. Interventions to assist academic or occupational functioning may not be necessary for all survivors, but additional research is needed to identify subgroups at risk for difficulties.