How to help someone with grief
You have a good friend, co-worker, neighbor, or someone you care for who has just experienced the death of a loved one. Maybe you know instinctively what to do, but…
How parents can help their children with grief
• As soon as possible after the death, set time aside to talk to your child. • Give your child the facts in a simple manner — be careful not to go…
A 3-year-old’s wisdom
On a dark, misty, dreary morning I prepared my 3-year-old grandson for his day. As I strapped him into his car seat he boldly states, “it’s sunny”, I quickly correct…
Important Things to Know about Grieving Children
Children want to share their experience, though need permission to do so. Children, adolescents and teens all want to share their feelings, though they often believe adults won’t understand. Don’t…
How Schools Can Provide Grieving Children a Safe Haven
Acknowledge that grief affects students emotionally, socially, behaviorally, cognitively, academically, and spiritually. Recognize that school can provide a respite from grief for the student, especially since after a death many…
Helping Children Understand Funerals: Planning a Special Service For Children
Funerals are for the living, and the ritual is valuable in several ways. It is a time to say goodbye to a loved one and a time for family and…
Military Kids: Responding to Their Grief
To fully understand what children go through when a parent is assigned to a war zone, we need to look at the nature of grief. Grief is experienced not only…
Responding to a School Crisis: Tips for Educators in Elementary & Secondary Schools
The day begins like any other day. Students arrive smiling and chatting, ready for a day of school. They gather in the hallways, talking, slamming lockers, then coalesce into their…
How to Write Condolence Note to a Grieving Child or Teen
Writing a condolence note to an adult is challenging enough, but how about writing one to a child or a teenager? Traditionally, condolence notes have been seen as expressions of…
How to help a grieving teen
Teen years are already tumultuous years, and the bereaved teen needs special attention. Under ordinary circumstances, teenagers go through many changes in their body image, behavior, attachments and feelings. As…