Episode-64-Understanding How Children Experience Parental Loss

In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, parents learn how infants and toddlers experience the loss of a father and what they can do to support their child’s emotional well-being. Dr. Anyoha explains that even very young babies notice a parent’s absence through disrupted routines, changes in touch and voice, and the loss of daily interactions. Toddlers may show clinginess, anxiety, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, or regression in developmental milestones such as walking, speaking, or toilet training. The episode highlights practical strategies for caregivers: maintaining routines, offering comfort and reassurance, and spending quality time with the child. Dr. Anyoha emphasizes the importance of professional support from pediatricians or infant mental health specialists to prevent long-term emotional effects. This guide equips parents to recognize early signs of grief in children under 3, provide compassionate care, and help their little ones heal after the loss of a father.