What can we as helpers do when our teens are grieving?
Before you talk with them remember each teen grieves in his or her unique way. After a sudden or violent death, some teens may develop traumatic grief responses and have difficulty coping. Here are ways to recognize and help your teen with traumatic grief. Being nonjudgmental, open to compromise, and considering your teen’s point of view are important.
It can take some pressure off of having a “talk,” if you ask them to help you with a project or go for a drive.
Offer to find a counselor if it seems easier for your teen to talk to someone outside the family. For serious, risky, or harmful behaviors, get professional help.
The attached resource graphic can be downloaded and printed. It is also available at: https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//helping_teens_with_traumatic_grief_caregivers.pdf
