As summer winds down and the school year approaches, many families prepare for the familiar early morning routines, homework, and afterschool activities. For some children, this will be their first time back-to-school since the death of their loved one. For others, it will be another year filled with events that their loved one will not get to be a part of.
With this in mind, we recently asked children at The WARM Place to complete a worksheet in which they were asked to share what they felt they needed from family, friends, teachers and other school staff as they think about the new school year.
Below you will find their responses. The two most common words were “love” and “support.”
Here are some ways that parents, caregivers, and educators can support children navigating challenging emotions as they return to school.
Open communication
Encourage open dialogue about feelings and experiences. Let children know it’s okay to talk about their grief. Listening without judgment or immediate solutions can be incredibly comforting.
Create a supportive environment
It is important for caregivers and teachers alike to create a compassionate and understanding environment. The best scholastic outcomes occur when a child feels safe and supported.
Maintain routines
While flexibility is important, maintaining regular routines can provide a sense of stability and normalcy. Consistent schedules help children know what to expect, which can be reassuring during times of uncertainty.
Encourage healthy expression
Encourage children to express their emotions through various outlets, such as drawing, writing, or talking. Activities like journaling or art can help children process their feelings in a constructive way. Shared journaling, when a child and caregiver share their thoughts and feelings with each other, can be extremely powerful in encouraging authentic expression.
Monitor academic pressure
Grieving children might struggle with concentration and academic performance. It’s important to set realistic expectations and not add unnecessary pressure. Communicate with teachers to adjust workloads or deadlines as needed.
Seek professional help if needed
If a child’s grief seems overwhelming or persistent, consider seeking professional help. Counselors or child psychologists can provide strategies to cope with grief and facilitate healing.
