Child and Teen bereavement resources include educational and support groups, individual counseling, workshops, social activities, and camps, art therapy, play therapy, and other specialized interventions, and school-based programs.
Support & Workshops
Our child and teen grief offerings provide a safe place for children, teens, and families to express their grief in a comfortable, healing way. Our groups and events give opportunities to learn more about grief and coping strategies as well as connect with grieving peers. These connections can reduce isolation and give space to explore the wide range of emotions associated with the loss of a loved one.
View upcoming grief support events.
Resources for Teens and Children
See the Family Activities tab for written and video resources that provide ideas about how your family can connect and cope after a loss.
Print Resources
View our Preparing for Mother’s Day or Preparing for Father’s Day resource pack.
Tips for Supporting Kids and Teens During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Ways to Take Care of Yourself During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Being Aware of Scams/Frauds During COVID-19
When a Loved One Dies: Ways to Create Memorial and Meaning When Separated During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Understanding Teen Grief
Understanding Children’s Grief
Tasks of Mourning – For People with Special Needs
Los Ninos y el Duelo: Como Proveer Apoyo
Helping Kids Adjust to Terminal Illness
Video Resources
Visit our Transitions GriefCare YouTube channel to find videos that may be of help in supporting children and teens who are coping with the progression of a loved one’s illness to needing support after the death has occurred.
- When a cure is not expected Part 1: the benefits of early and honest communication with children and teens
- When a cure is not expected Part 2: tips on when, where and how to have this difficult conversation
- Ways children and teens can be present and create memories with their dying loved one
- Preparing your children when a loved one’s death is very near
- Family and friends at time of death: when the last breath is taken
- Tips for telling children and teens a death has occurred
- Preparing children for a funeral and special rituals
- Understanding how children and teens grieve
- Supporting a child after the death has occurred
Family Activities
Here are several activities you can do as a family to help cope with grief.
Create a calming jar to help you relax. Instructions | Video
Create an encouragement jar for the whole family. Instructions | Video
Practice grounding activities to help you find a sense of calm. Instructions | Video
Create a legacy luminary to honor your loved one. Instructions | Video
Decorate a family shield to show what keeps your family strong. Instructions
Create permission slips to help you respond to big feelings. Instructions | Video
Create a worry monster to hold your worries. Instructions | Video
Play a game of round robin drawing to connect with family members. Instructions
Go on a fun scavenger hunt. Instructions
Caring Connections
Caring Connections are social opportunities for grieving children (ages 5+), teens, and their families. These events give families a chance to spend quality time together, have fun, and connect with other families that get what it’s like to grieve. Examples of past events include sports games, skate nights, and movie nights. All events are provided at no cost to the families.
Healing Hearts
Healing Hearts is a children’s grief group for kids ages 5-12. The sessions provide education, support, and opportunities for emotional expression through games, therapeutic artwork, and other media. Each session of the series focuses on a different component of grief and healing.
Teen Connections
Teen Connections are social opportunities exclusively for teens grades 6-12 to connect with grieving peers. Examples of past events include Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Adventure Landing, and movie nights. All events are provided at no cost.
Teen Group
Teen Group is a multi-week series for grieving teens grades 6-12. This group offers time to learn about the ups and downs of grief, meet new friends, and share with peers who get what it’s like to experience the death of a loved one. Each session focuses on a different topic.
Grief Support in Schools
Our bereavement counselors are able to provide grief support services in Wake County schools. These school services occur during school hours, and all participants are also welcome to participate in other programs through Transitions GriefCare, such as support groups, Camp Reflections, and workshops. Our school programs include support groups for students in grades K-12 and a puppet show to educate 3rd graders about grief and coping. Bereavement counselors are also able to provide education to teaching staff about ways to support grieving children.
Do you need to schedule a consultation?
Call us at 919.748.0823