Verbalizing Grief - Children

There are many individuals who have difficulty verbalizing their feelings. This is especially common in children, from pre-school age to teenagers and sometimes in adulthood too.

For children a catharsis can be provided through artistic expression or writing simple poems and stories - anything that encourages creative expression. If you have a child that you believe is struggling through grief, you can help them by being sensitive to their needs; showing that you can empathize with what he/she is feeling. It is important that a child's development not be marred or crippled by suppressing his/her grief.

Always encourage your child to speak when you believe there is something troubling them, but never force them. Reassure them that when they are ready to talk you will be there for them.

Family counselors are trained to hear out your problems and assist you in coping. If the grief management process is becoming too overwhelming, you may want to consider some counseling to help you along.

Adapted from: "Bereavement: Counseling the Grieving Throughout the LifeCycle", David A. Crenshaw