Helping Your Teen Navigate Grief: A Guide for Parents

Losing a parent is an incredibly challenging experience, and as a parent, supporting your teen through this grief is a delicate task. Adolescents may express their grief in various ways, and understanding how to be there for them is crucial.

Here's a guide to help you navigate this difficult time:

• Encourage Open Communication: 

  • Create a safe space for your teen to express their feelings without judgment.

  • Be a good listener. Sometimes, they may not want advice; they just need someone to hear them.

• Understand Grief Manifestations:

  • Grief can manifest differently in each individual. Your teen might show their grief through anger, withdrawal, sadness, or even silence.

  • Be patient and recognize that healing is a process that unfolds over time.

• Attend to Physical and Emotional Needs:

  • Ensure your teen maintains a healthy routine. Encourage regular meals, exercise, and sufficient sleep.

  • Watch for signs of depression or isolation, and seek professional help if needed.

• Respect Individual Coping Styles:

  • Recognize that family members may grieve differently. Allow your teen the freedom to process their grief in their unique way.

  • Avoid imposing your own grieving process on them.

• Seek Professional Support:

  • Consider involving a grief counselor or therapist who specializes in working with teenagers.

  • Support groups can provide a sense of community and understanding.

• Keep Memories Alive:

  • Share stories about the deceased parent to keep their memory alive.

  • Create a memory box or scrapbook together, celebrating the positive moments.

• Establish Rituals of Remembrance:

  • Establish traditions to commemorate special occasions, like birthdays or anniversaries.

  • Attend memorial services or create your own family rituals to honor the lost loved one.

• Monitor Academic and Social Functioning:

  • Keep an eye on your teen's academic performance and social interactions.

  • Notify teachers and school counselors about the situation so they can provide additional support.

• Encourage Peer Support:

  • Friends can play a crucial role in a teen's support system. Encourage healthy connections with friends who offer understanding and empathy.

  • Be involved in your teen's social life without being intrusive.

• Be Patient and Persistent:

  • Grieving is a process that takes time. Be patient and persistent in your support.

  • Revisit conversations about grief periodically to check in on your teen's emotional well-being.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to grieving. Your teen may need different types of support at different times. By being understanding, patient, and present, you can help them navigate this challenging journey.

References: 

• Beck, J. S. (2021). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond. The Guilford Press.

• Bocci, G. S. (2019). The Social Media Workbook for Teens. New Harbinger Publications Inc.

• Cooper, B. & Widdows, N. (2008). The Social Success Workbook for Teens. New Harbinger Publications Inc.

• CROWDER, A. (2020). CBT Toolbox for Children & Adolescents: Over 200 worksheets & exercises for trauma, ADHD. PESI PUBLISHING.

• Eich, J. (2015). Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training with Adolescents. PESI.

• Griff, K. (2020). Social Skills Curriculum for Teens. Trixie Lulah Publishing.

• Gruzewski, K. (2020). Therapy Games for Teens. Callisto Publishing.

• Hansen, S. A. (2013).  The Executive Functioning Workbook for Teens. New Harbinger Publications Inc.

• Linehan, M.M. (1993). Skills training manual for treating borderline personality disorder. Guilford Press: New York.

• McLaughlin, L. (2002). Oppositional Defiant Disorder Activities. Rockridge Press.

• Phifer, L.W. (2022). The CBT Toolbox for Young Adults. PESI.

• Pratt, D.M. (2019). CBT Toolbox for Depressed, Anxious & Suicidal Children and Adolescents. PESI.

• Shannon, J. (2022). The Shyness & Social Anxiety Workbook for Teens. New Harbinger Publications Inc.

• Sokol, L., & Fox, M. G. (2020). The Comprehensive Clinician’s Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. PESI.

• Spensley, S. (2021). Positive Behavior Activities for Kids. Rockridge Press.

• Stallard, P. (2019). Thinking good, feeling better: A cognitive behavioural therapy workbook for adolescents and young adults. Wiley.

• Wilson, T. (2023). Therapy Games for Kids. Vox Publishing House.