Coping with Grief

Let's Do This

Grief at any age is a challenge, but children experience grief differently than adults. As a caring adult, if you are working with a young person who recently suffered a loss of a pet, parent, grandparent or friend, here are a few tips to help them through the grieving process.

• Encourage them to express their feelings
• Pay attention and be patient with any mood changes
• Help them to create a memory box in honor of their loved one
• Refer for help if grief symptoms persist and impact daily activities

This Helping Children Cope with Grief guide from the Child Mind Institute has additional tools and resources for supporting youth ages 2-18.

Stay Inspired

Here are a few book recommendations for children who may have recently suffered a loss.  

Ages 4-8
The Memory Box: A Book About Grief by Joanna Rowland

Ages 7-10

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Ages 13-17

Passed and Present: Keeping Memories of Loved Ones Alive by Alison Gilbert

For local grief support, check out The Highmark Caring Place!