Special edition
Special edition

Summary/Abstract: Children experience grief and loss from death, divorce, parental incarceration, and similar situations of being placed in foster care or adoption. These youths may be challenged in recovery due to lacking the necessary life experience and coping skills. They may also lack the appropriate support networks to work through their grief as their remaining parent or family members may be too grieved to be of assistance. Peers, can even distance themselves out of inability to understand the experience. Children are at risk for developing psychological difficulties that can manifest into psychiatric disorders when lacking coping skills. Therefore, it is critical for parents, teachers, pastors, and other influential adults to recognize the risk factors associated with complicated or unresolved grief. It is also important to remember the child’s developmental age and stage when considering how to help. Some therapy techniques have been found helpful such as motivational interviewing, therapy that also includes a parent or guardian, group therapy, and grief support groups. It is necessary for adults to develop open and honest lines of communication with the child, ensuring that he feels safe expressing how he feels. Lastly, helping in grief and loss can cause secondary trauma. Self-care is vital for anyone helping work the grieving process.

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