Facing the funeral of a loved one is difficult for anyone, but especially for children and teens who have less experience with loss and may be more impacted by the death of a parent or family member. During this time of grief and struggle, compassion and understanding can help teenage family members and friends process their pain and begin to find a new normal. Here are a few tips for helping teens cope with the grieving process.

How to Help a Teenager After a Loss

1. Reassure Them That Grief Is Normal

For teens, grieving is often a new experience and one that can feel distressing and alien. Often, they’ll have mistaken ideas about what they should be feeling, or may believe something is wrong if they don’t recover soon after the funeral. Let them know that grief is natural and takes time; if possible, relate some of your own experiences in this area to help them feel normal.

2. Make Space for Unique Experiences

Not everyone processes grief in the same way, and the way your teen experiences it may change from day to day or moment to moment. The idea of “stages of grief” is also inaccurate, as all these stages may occur multiple times or in different orders. Give your teenager space for anger, confusion, and sadness. Be accepting of their honest emotions. Reassure them that whatever they’re feeling is all right, and that they aren’t obligated to feel any specific way or grieve for any standard length of time.

3. Look After Their Practical Needs

Children and teens are more likely than most family members to suffer from major life changes as the result of a parent or sibling dying. They may have to move homes, adjust to a new routine, and face financial hardship. Understand this disruption can affect both their physical well-being and their ability to cope with emotional turmoil. Make sure their physical needs are met, and help them establish a new daily routine so they feel they have control of their life.

If you or your loved ones are struggling to cope with loss, Porto Funeral Homes in New Haven County, CT, are there to help. They offer compassionate and thoughtful funeral and cremation services for all the area’s residents, and will help you through the planning process as well as pointing you toward resources to help with grieving. Call (203) 467-3000 for East Haven or (203) 934-5000 to reach their West Haven location. Visit them online to learn more about their services.