If your household has recently experienced a loss and it is time to schedule services with one of the O'Fallon, MO cemeteries, it can be incredibly challenging, especially for children who knew them. Teens and children both have their way of going through grief which can affect them differently than adults, so here are some ways to check in and offer support. 

Acknowledge the Loss and Feelings 

Grief can be a complex topic; children may not have the same responses as adults or let on that they are in pain. Because of this, waiting for them to come to you is not recommended. They may have difficulties learning how to cope with the pain, so letting them know you are available to talk with them is crucial. 

Give Them Extra Time With You 

With all the chaos and schedule changes that can come with losing a loved one, it is more important than ever to have extra time to spend with the child. Whether this consists of keeping their regular schedule intact as much as possible or finding activities, they enjoy doing and participating in together. Both help instills a sense of comfort and normalcy during a challenging time. 

Talk Openly About the Experience 

The death of a loved one can create confusion and unease in the child's mind, especially if they're watching the adults around them grieving. They may not know how to express their feelings, so it is recommended to speak openly about yours and to talk about the loss. Witnessing you talk about your feelings could help encourage them to open up about their experience and let them know it's OK to talk about the person's death. 

Encourage them To Create a Personalized Memorial 

Grief changes and can happen when someone is least expecting it. For a typically resilient child, having the emotions come up can make them feel helpless, so it is recommended to encourage them to create a memorial for the individual. This could be done in person or online, and the child can add their special details to the event, so it's more meaningful for them and others. 

Use Appropriate Language 

Each child has their way of managing their feelings, and the way a teenager goes through the grief process will look different than a five-year-old. One of the most beneficial ways to support them is by using age-appropriate language and resources when discussing death. It's also recommended to be prepared to answer questions about what happened to the person, so look for resources based on the child's age. 

We are Here to Help You Through the Process 

Not all children will be able to tell you if they are suffering and may want to hide their feelings, so if you need extra support, it is recommended to reach out to a professional grief counselor. And if you need professional services and are researching O'Fallon, MO cemeteries, our team is here to help. We specialize in veteran services and work hard to create memorable events for our client's loved ones, so contact us today.