Supporting Students Who Are Grieving: How Educators and Parents Can Work Together
Going back to school after a loss can be one of the hardest transitions for children and teens. Grief affects how students learn, connect with friends, and show up in the classroom. And with research showing that 1 in 13 children in Massachusetts will experience the death of a parent or sibling before age 18, chances are that every school community is already supporting students who are grieving, whether they know it or not.
That’s why TCR is proud to be a friend of the Coalition to Support Grieving Students, a national alliance of professional organizations that equips schools with tools to respond with care. Their resources, paired with TCR’s own expertise, remind us that support doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be compassionate, intentional, and consistently available across each area of a child’s life.
What Educators and School Mental Health Professionals Can Do
- Notice and acknowledge: A gentle check-in, in a space separate from peers — “I know this might be a hard time for you”—shows that you care. You don’t need perfect words. Just being present matters.
- Balance routine with flexibility: Structure helps kids feel secure, but some days grief makes learning harder. Small adjustments, such as offering options on assignments, can help ease the pressure.
- Foster connection: A trusted peer, a quiet moment, or knowing that a familiar adult is available for check-ins can make the classroom feel like a safe place again.
- Be an advocate: Acknowledge that grief is not one-size-fits-all or time-limited, and let students know that they can express their needs throughout the school year.
What Parents and Caregivers Can Do
- Stay in touch with the school: Let school professionals know what’s happening so that they can show up with understanding.
- Build the circle of care: Remind your child that school can be a community of support, not just a place for academics. Ask them who they trust and feel most comfortable with in the school.
- Work as a team: Partner with teachers and school mental health professionals to notice changes and plan for what your child might need, both in and out of the classroom.
Why This Matters
Grief doesn’t stay at home; it comes with students into the classroom. When educators and parents work together, children don’t feel invisible in their grief – they feel supported by a community that cares.
As the Coalition reminds us, “No child should grieve alone.” At TCR, that belief drives our work from peer support groups in schools to awareness programs to staff training. These programs ensure that more children across diverse communities have access to grief support where they need it most.
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An Invitation to Connect
If you’re an educator, parent, or community leader who sees a need in your school or neighborhood, please feel free to reach out to The Children’s Room for support. Together, we can bring grief-informed care into classrooms and community spaces, ensuring that every child has the support they need to grieve.
Reach out to us at info@childrensroom.org to learn more.
