Sometimes children may try to deny that the death has happened. It can help them to see adults grieve, to reminisce with them and look at photographs and mementoes that encourage their buried feelings to emerge. Some children readily express grief through crying and talking about the dead person while others find it easier to express feelings through play, painting, drawing or writing. They may find it difficult to stop thinking about the death and this can result in lack of concentration at school. Although teenagers grieve more like adults, bereavement in adolescence can be especially painful, partly because of the rapid emotional and physical development which is taking place.
Grieving teenagers are more likely to share their feelings and problems with their peers.
They may also be more willing to share their grief with a trusted adult such as a teacher, family friend or youth club leader. Families do well to go along with this, giving the space and understanding their young people require. It is important too, to remember that teenagers are not adults and avoid burdening them with adult responsibilities. Your family needs you to be the mother now. Teenagers and young adults are often shut out of family grief and wish their families and frioends would include them in messages of sympathy, phone calls and offers of practical help.