Grief is an expected response to an internalized sense of loss, which can include the death of a loved one or a significant life change, and it occurs across all ages. For children and adolescents, grief involves feelings of sadness and emptiness and is expressed differently than in adults. They might act out, become moody, withdraw, regress to younger behaviors, or even feel physically ill.
The What Is Grief Handout serves as a helpful guide for clients who need support in coping with grief. It explains the common thoughts and feelings experienced during the grieving process and provides practical tips on managing these emotions.
Reading the handout helps kids and teens feel encouraged to express grief in a healthy manner, which prevents unresolved emotions from building up. Parents and teachers may offer support by providing a nonjudgmental ear and being available to them.
This handout can be found in our 13-page Grief And Loss Handouts Bundle, which provides coping skills, tips, and support for those experiencing grief.
*This item is an instant digital download. A link to download your files will be emailed to you once payment is confirmed.
Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of grief worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Alvis, L., Zhang, N., Sandler, I. N., & Kaplow, J. B. (2022). Developmental manifestations of grief in children and adolescents: Caregivers as key grief facilitators. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 16(2), 447-457. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-021-00435-0
- Edwards, J., Stone, M., Bartlett, H., Wallace, M., & Ventura, A. (2023). Grief in school-aged youth. NASN School Nurse, 38(4), 171-175. https://doi.org/10.1177/1942602x231161332
- Malone, P. A. (2016). Counseling adolescents through loss, grief, and trauma. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203699638
- Schuurman, D. L., & Breen, L. J. (2023). Reflections on supporting children and teens who are grieving. The Routledge International Handbook of Child and Adolescent Grief in Contemporary Contexts, 257-265. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003221692-27
