Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers

• 2014

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This tip sheet explains how school-age children may react after losing someone important, especially if the death was sudden or scary. Children can feel sad, scared, confused, or even act out. Caregivers can help by talking about feelings, being patient, keeping routines, and helping kids feel safe. It also suggests not forcing children to talk before they are ready and reassuring them that the death was not their fault. If grief makes daily life hard for a child, it recommends seeing a mental health professional who understands trauma in children.

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Tags

Focus Areas: Mental Health; Natural Disasters; Severe Weather; Trauma; Violence

Audience: Families & Children

Emergency Management Stages: Mitigation; Response; Preparedness (Prevention / Protection)

Keywords: Bereavement; Child; Child, Preschool; Crisis Intervention; Death; Family Relations; Grief; Mental Health; Parent-Child Relations; Caregivers; Psychological Trauma; Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

Institutions: National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

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The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. It does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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