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Grief and Loss

Grief and Loss
Grief and Loss

Losing a loved one can be extremely hard for individuals of any age. Below are a few ways you as parents can support your children through this difficult time

  • Understand that children cope with death differently and may have a range of reactions (including emotional shock, regression, acting out and explosive emotions, and questioning) depending on their developmental level
  • Answer your child's questions and help them understand what happened with truthful, developmentally appropriate responses
  • Allow children to grieve and tell their story, listen and validate their feelings, and show extra love and care
  • Understand that grief is a process and allow it to happen as the child needs
  • Realize that as children move into new developmental stages, they begin to understand the loss in a new way and may need extra support
  • Be aware of your own need to grieve as a parent; adults who get help working through their grief are much more able to help their child through the grieving process

Source:  Jaclyn Sepp http://mssepp.blogspot.com/

 

Resources:

MoorestownVNA:  Offers free support groups for children who have experienced lossThis agency also provides individual counseling on a sliding scale fee schedule.  https://www.moorestownvna.org/griefsupport 
 
Samaratin Hospice: Samaratin Hospice offers free support groups.  They also offer individual counseling on a sliding sacale fee schedule.   https://www.samaritannj.org/services/grief-support-south-jersey/support-groups
 
Camp Firefly:  A free summer camp for children who have lost a family member.  https://www.moorestownvna.org/campfirefly
 
Rainbows.org:  A website with resources to help children and teens grieve following a loss  https://rainbows.org/resources