Welcome Guest
Join here
Members Log-In
Privacy Policy

Monday May 12,2008

Ways to Help Children

As in all situations, honesty is the best way to deal with children. Talk to the child in a language that he can understand. Remember to listen to the child and try to understand what the child is saying and, just as importantly, what he's not saying. Children need to feel that the death is an open subject and that they can express their thoughts or questions as they arise.

Grief and the Adolescent

by Linda Cunningham

Unfortunately, the needs of the bereaved teenager have been sorely overlooked for decades. In many grief recovery programs, support is often available for younger children and adults, but there is a definite void in teen services. I have seen this void throughout our country. Teenagers often give us mixed messages. They tell us that they need and expect our help in providing them with food and a nurturing environment but also tell us, on the other hand, that they can run their lives on their own. Because people do not always know how to respond to teens, they frequently back off, resulting in a teen that is left to grieve alone or with very limited support.