With an estimated 1 in 13 children in the state of Massachusetts experiencing the death of a parent or sibling before they reach the age of 18, it is likely that many adults will, at some point, know a grieving child or teen. This number does not include the death of extended family members, close family friends, or other types of losses. The Children’s Room recognizes that adults who care for or work with children and teens on a daily basis have an invaluable opportunity to normalize grief experiences and provide support when needed.
The Children’s Room (TCR) offers Education and Training to help others develop greater awareness about grief and ways to support children, teens, or families who have experienced a loss. Our presentations and training sessions are developed for a variety of individuals or groups ranging from clinical professionals, undergraduate and graduate social work or psychology students, or anyone interested in learning more about our mission and work. Some may currently work with grieving children or families, while others appreciate proactively learning about this important topic.
TCR presentations typically include a tour of The Children’s Room and a discussion of our services. Training sessions are offered virtually or on-site, for example, in schools, mental health agencies, and other community-based organizations. We teach organizations about grief-sensitive practices in supporting the children and families they serve. This may be planned as a form of professional development for staff or due to specific needs, such as following the death of a parent, student, or staff member.
TCR views grief experiences through the “layers of loss” framework, and we weave this understanding into our training approaches. Loss comes in many forms, such as illness, divorce, home moves, school changes, adult job transitions, or separations from caregivers or friends. When a family experiences a death, the grief may be compounded by any number of these additional stressors. These changes can evoke emotions and impact a child’s concentration, motivation, relationships, and identity.
Additional training topics include how children and teens grieve, the intersection between child development and grief, ways to help a child return to school after a death loss, the challenges that grieving parents and caregivers face, and many others.
Gaining greater awareness about childhood and adolescent bereavement, knowledge of resources, and recognition of the needs of grieving families helps people develop greater understanding and compassion, both professionally and personally. Given that everyone will encounter grief in some form during their lifetime, The Children’s Room is so grateful to be able to educate and train individuals from various backgrounds and professions. We believe that the knowledge and tools gained help participants manage a range of loss types and life events.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Training for Professionals
CLICK HERE to learn more about TCR’s Academic Internships
This entry is by Nancy Frumer Styron (Clinical Director for Education and Training), Christine Lambright (Program Director for Schools and Community-Based Services), and Zoe Laurente (Marketing Manager). Learn more about the TCR team here.
