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Grief Resources

Helping Your Child Cope with Loss & Grief

What to Expect from Your Child

Children process death differently depending on their age, experiences, and how well they knew the student. You may expect some of the following reactions or behaviors.

If Your Child Knew the Student:

  • Sadness, confusion, or fear
  • Increased clinginess or withdrawal
  • Repetitive questions about death
  • Expressing emotions through play or drawings

If Your Child Did Not Know the Student:

  • General worries about death and safety
  • Increased questions about what happens when someone dies
  • Trouble sleeping or expressing new fears
  • Curiosity about burial, funerals, or the afterlife

Ideas for Supporting Your Child

  1. Be honest and age-appropriate, using clear, simple language. Use clear, simple language.  For example, "When someone dies, their body stops working, and we don’t see them anymore, but we can always remember them."
  2. Let your child ask questions, even difficult ones. Answer honestly but simply.
  3. Validate their feelings and acknowledge their emotions, whatever those may be.  For example, "It’s okay to feel sad, confused, or even not know how you feel."
  4. Reassure their safety and let them know the adults in their life are here to take care of them.
  5. Avoid euphemisms or language that could be confusing to them.  Try not to say things like "went to sleep" or "lost" to describe death, as these can be misleading to children.
  6. Offer activities that may be comforting in the moment.  Draw pictures, write a letter to say goodbye, or read books about loss and grief (i.e.The Invisible String, When Dinosaurs Die, The Memory Box, The Sad Dragon).

Helpful Resources

If your child’s emotions seem overwhelming or persist for a long time, please reach out to a school counselor or mental health professional for additional support.