Children and Teens in Grief

Children and Teens in Grief: Supporting Young Minds Through Loss

Grief doesn’t only affect adults—it profoundly impacts children and teens. However, children often express grief differently than adults. They may not have the language or emotional understanding to process their feelings, so it’s crucial to help guide them through the process.

How Children Experience Grief

Young children may not fully understand the permanence of death, but they can feel its emotional impact. Their grief may manifest in clinginess, anger, regression (e.g., bed-wetting), or a desire to talk about the person who has passed.

Tips for supporting grieving children:

• Be honest about the loss in age-appropriate terms.

• Encourage them to ask questions and express their emotions through drawing or play.

• Maintain routines and provide reassurance that they are safe and loved.

How Teens Experience Grief

Teens often experience grief more intensely, but their ability to express it can vary. Some may isolate themselves, others may act out, and some might engage in risky behaviors. It’s important to create space for open conversations and provide them with ways to process their grief in healthy ways.

Tips for supporting grieving teens:

• Encourage them to share their feelings, but respect their need for space.

• Help them find healthy outlets for their emotions, like journaling, sports, or art.

• Provide reassurance that grief is normal and can be managed over time.

Example:
When Jack’s father died, he withdrew from his friends and family. His mom gently reached out, encouraging him to talk about his dad’s memory and to express his feelings. Over time, Jack began to engage in creative writing and art, finding healing through self-expression.