WHAT MY GRIEVING CHILD OR ADOLESCENT NEEDS
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The truth about what has happened at a developmentally appropriate level.
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As normal a routine as is possible under the circumstances – structure helps children to feel safe and in control.
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An opportunity to remember – share memories with others.
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A listening ear and willingness to listen to the child’s story of loss over and over and over again – if it’s too hard for the parent, allow another trusted adult to support the child in this way.
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Usually children need a little extra touching and holding during these times.
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Permission to feel whatever they feel – even permission to feel happy – It’s hard to do this when you live in a household that is sad. Be intentional about giving your child permission to take breaks from their grief.
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Physical exercise and outlets to release the anxiety and tension of the grief.
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Opportunities to do things they do well and feel really good about – self-esteem often suffers during grief. Lots of rest. Grief is exhausting even for children and adolescents.
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Information about the changes that are or will be happening as a result of this loss.
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A chance to tell you what they need.
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Friends who will treat them just like they did before this happened.