Ten Ways to Help Grieving Children and Their Families

Andy McNiel, MA, LPC

Think back…At least one adult you trusted or who made a difference in your life.

Why? Characteristics?

Be sensitive…

1. Be patient with them while they adapt to their changed world.

2. Follow their lead.3. Respect their space.

"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.“

-Nelson Mandela

Be present…

4. Continue to invite them to participate in life; keep reaching out and encouraging.

5. Provide opportunities for children to support one another.

Be an advocate…

6. Set aside personal agendas and promote the best interests of grieving children and families.

7. Capitalize on opportunities to educate others.

"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”

-Joseph Campbell

Be an example…

8. Make healthy choices when facing life’s challenges.

9. Share stories of challenges, hard work, failure and successes with children.

"Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate.“

-Anonymous

"Hope is both the earliest and the most indispensable virtue inherent in the state of being alive. If life is to be sustained hope must remain, even where confidence is wounded, trust impaired.“

-Erik Erikson

Be an optimist…

10. No matter how bad things appear, never give up on a grieving person.

The thing about a hero, is even when it doesn't look like there's a light at the end of the tunnel, he's going to keep digging, he's going to keep trying to do right and make up for what's gone before, just because that's who he is.

-Joss Whedon