Tips to Help Grieving Students Through the Pandemic

By Lindsey Neag, School Liaison, MSSA, LSW, LSSW

As we all try to find our way to a “new normal” during the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating the crisis may be especially challenging for children and teens, who are coping with multiple losses in their lives. There are many ways parents and guardians can help.

One major loss is a sense of normalcy. As students, our children are accustomed to following a set school schedule, including going to class in the same room, seeing the same teachers and friends and going to bed at the same time. While they are learning from home, follow a regular routine. Establish morning and bedtime hours, time for homework, breaks and exercise to foster a sense of control, predictability and well-being.

Children and teens are also experiencing the loss of their social lives and ability to see friends and other family members. Engage in meaningful activities to help ease feelings of isolation. Take a walk in the park, bake together or make crafts. Use technology to stay connected with others.

Children have also lost their sense of safety. They may have questions like: Will I get COVID-19? Will my family get it? Will life ever be normal again?

Listen to their concerns, correct misinformation and use age-appropriate language to ease fears. Provide reassurance. Explain that the risk of serious illness is low for children when infected, for example. Explain and demonstrate ways to decrease risk, such as washing hands and maintaining physical distancing. Avoid fear-based approaches such as, “If you don’t wash your hands, you will get sick.” Answer questions accurately but without unnecessary detail.

A variety of programs and resources are available to both parents and educators to help students during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, contact Lindsey Neag, School Liaison, at 216-210-1523, or lneag@hospicewr.org.

Opinions and claims expressed above are those of the author
and do not necessarily reflect those of ScripType Publishing.