Helping Children and Teens Navigate Grief

Grief is a natural response to loss, but that doesn’t make it easy—especially for children and teens. While children may struggle to understand that death is permanent, teens often have difficulty expressing their emotions. As a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, you can play an important role in helping them navigate grief and build coping skills.

The death of someone important in your child’s life can have a deep emotional impact.

Signs Your Child or Teen May Need Support

We all grieve in our own unique ways, and your child is no different. Common responses to grief in children include:

Feeling angry, depressed, or experiencing other mood changes
Withdrawing from social activities
Experiencing problems sleeping or loss of appetite
Declining school performance
Engaging in risk-taking behaviors
Regressing to younger behaviors like bed wetting or thumb sucking

How Caregivers Can Help

Meet your child where they are and follow their lead. They may not feel comfortable talking with you and may prefer opening up to friends—but your support still matters.

You can help by:

Listening without judgment about how they are feeling
Encouraging conversations with friends or family
Allowing them to express their emotions and validating those feelings
Providing physical comfort when appropriate
Being honest, calm, and patient, reminding them you are there for them

Having a reliable, caring adult in your child’s life is a protective factor for their adjustment after a death. Your presence and care are invaluable. Professional grief support services can help you as you care for your child.

Grief Support at Pillars Community Health

Even if your child feels more comfortable talking to friends, those friends may not share the same experience. Peer support connects them with individuals their age who understand their loss, helping them feel less alone.

Buddy’s Place, a program of Pillars Community Health, provides grief support for youth ages 4–18 and their caregivers through monthly gatherings, special events, and eight-week sessions. Families build coping skills, form meaningful connections, and receive guidance tailored to their unique grief journeys, with referrals to PCH therapists available when needed. Families are encouraged to attend Buddy’s Place for as long as it is helpful for them.

There’s no “right” way to grieve—and you and your child don’t have to go through it alone. PCH offers support through outpatient mental health services, a 24/7 crisis hotline, and more.

To learn more about Buddy’s Place or explore additional support options, contact our Access and Referral team at 708-PILLARS (708-745-5277). Our team can help guide you to the best fit for your needs.