When a Teen Is Grieving

By Ralph P. Plumley, ThM, CT

Teens face many pressures, decisions, and problems as a normal part of growing up. When a death or other major loss occurs, it can turn their lives upside down. Aside from the death of a friend or family member, teenagers grieve other kinds of losses: changing schools, parents divorcing, friends moving away, the break-up of a relationship. How can a parent or other caring adult be supportive and provide a grieving teenager the necessary help? This CareNote explores teenage grief and the ways to help the teens in your life, no matter what the loss.