As students head back to classrooms for a new school year, children grieving the death of a parent, caregiver or sibling can face additional challenges as they adjust to school without a loved one in their lives.
About 1 in 10 children in Missouri will lose a caregiver or sibling before turning 18, according to a community announcement from Lost & Found Grief Center.
“As adults, we want to say the ‘right’ thing to make them feel better. There are no words that can take away their grief, but we can listen without judgment," said Melanie Blair, the organization's assistant executive director.
The Springfield-based organization shared guidance for teachers and school staff to help support students returning to school after the death of a loved one.
Educators are encouraged to acknowledge a child's loss rather than avoid discussing it. The organization said using a loved one's name and inviting students to share memories can help them feel seen and supported.
School staff also should recognize that grief affects children differently and that there is no set timeline for the grieving process. According to the announcement, even siblings coping with the same loss may respond in different ways.
Language and communication matter
Lost & Found Grief Center advises adults to use clear, direct language when talking with grieving children.
The organization recommends using words such as "dead" or "died," particularly with younger children, to avoid misunderstandings that can arise from phrases such as "passed away."
The center also recommends using the phrase "died by suicide" rather than "committed suicide" to avoid assigning blame or shame to surviving family members.
Encouraging healthy coping skills
Teachers and other school employees can help students manage difficult emotions by encouraging coping strategies such as journaling, art, exercise, music and mindfulness, according to the announcement.
The organization also suggests that adults be willing to listen when children want to talk about their loss.
“If you are unsure of what to say to a grieving student, a helpful statement may be, ‘I don’t know if there is something I can say to ease your hurt, but I am happy to listen and sit with you. Can you tell me more about your loved one?’”
While adults cannot remove a child's grief, Lost & Found Grief Center said supportive relationships can help make the transition back to school easier.
For additional information about helping students return to school after the death of a loved one, visit lostandfoundozarks.com or contact Lost & Found Grief Center at (417) 865-9998.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Grieving students face back-to-school challenges after loss
