Did you know? One in 12 children in the U.S. will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. 

Here are some warning signs that a child is grieving the loss of a loved one:
• Not playing with friends or socializing
• Grades suddenly slipping
• Regressive behavior
• Acting out

Facts about child grief:
• Grieving can be painful and confusing at any age
• Children grieve differently than adults
• Grief in children can vary with each developmental level (stage)
• Participating in grief support peer groups can help with emotions and behavior

You can help a grieving child by:
• Supporting them in their grief, without trying to fix it.
• Simply listening to them and acknowledging that their thoughts and feelings are okay.
• Providing various ways for the child to express themself such as drawing, journaling or….

How we can help:
• Our Bridge Program for Children & Teens provides a safe place for sharing and connection.
• Peer support can help normalize feelings of grief at a time when nothing seems “normal.”
• Hospice East Bay’s bereavement services department can provide training for school counselors and teachers.

Interested in learning more about helping children and teens cope with grief?