Grief Resources for Families
Throughout the school year, we have students who experience the loss of loved ones such as parents, siblings, close relatives, and peers, which will affect each student differently depending on his or her relationship with the student and their experiences with death in the past. There are some strategies that can be helpful in supporting bereaved students, such as listening and acknowledging a student’s feelings in a nonjudgmental way and being sensitive to each student’s experience, as there is no right way to respond to a loss.
Keep in mind that some students may have a difficult time expressing their feelings or may not feel comfortable talking about the situation right away. Do not pressure students to talk. Some may prefer writing, drawing, listening to music, or playing a game instead of talking about their feelings. Sometimes no words can make a person feel “better”, but just being present with the bereaved can bring about comfort in knowing that they are not alone.
For additional resources on how to work with grieving students, please reference the attachments below:
10 Tips for Talking to Children about Grief
What Grief Looks Like In Children