Red Tricycle online parenting magazine recently published my article on kids grieving life before COVID. (How to Help Kids That Are Grieving Life Before COVID). We are all grieving our losses from the past year, children included. Just some of their losses include friends, school, sports, and life as they knew it. This article defines grief and outlines the stages and symptoms of grief in children. It then offers ten specific strategies to help minimize the impact of grief.
Unfortunately, sadness, grief, and suicidal thoughts among children are on the rise. Research reports that these mental health concerns should be addressed early and with well-known (and sometimes very simple) strategies. All parents are encouraged to look for symptoms of grief and worry in their child and intervene early. This article will set you on the right track for positive interventions. The original article was published in my blog post.
For parents and caregivers, you can find more information about how to talk to your child about grief and worry here: https://riseandshine.childrensnational.org/how-to-help-a.. /https://www.mentalhealth.gov/talk/parents-caregivers https://SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) or text TALK to 741741
Sally Baird, PhD is a retired child psychologist and co-author of a new book titled Shrinking the Worry Monster, A Kids’ Guide for Saying Goodbye to Worries. See her website at www.drsallyb.com. If your child has worries about COVID-19, you may want to read Dr. Sally’s blog on helping kids who worry about the pandemic, school, illness, and so much more!
