[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Grief and Loss” admin_label=”Page Title” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Lato|700|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”50px” background_image=”https:\/\/kibsd-multisite.mystagingwebsite.com\/khs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/06\/KHS-Page-Title-Horizontal.png” background_position=”bottom_center” animation_style=”flip” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Grief & Loss Resources<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Experiencing the loss of a loved one or any significant change can bring up many emotions. At Kodiak High School, we want students and families to know they are not alone. This page provides resources, tools, and support for navigating grief and loss\u2014whether you\u2019re looking for ways to cope, help a friend, or connect with additional support. Our school counselors are here to listen and walk alongside you during difficult times.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Telling Children the Truth About Difficult Deaths” open_toggle_text_color=”#0B2984″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”#0B2984″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”26px” open_icon_color=”#0B2984″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”26px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Telling children about a death is difficult and unfamiliar territory for most adults. The task is even more difficult when the death was a violent death or the result of suicide. Children need to be told the truth about all deaths. In over thirty years of working with grieving children, we have never encountered a child who was glad he was told a made-up story.<\/em><\/p>\n Why you should tell the truth:<\/strong><\/p>\n Tips for how to tell the truth:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Reference: Lost & Found Grief Center<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”10 Key Points to remember when talking to children and teens about death and dying” open_toggle_text_color=”#0B2984″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”#0B2984″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”26px” open_icon_color=”#0B2984″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”26px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/span>Grief is individual. <\/b><\/span>Children and teens usually do not tell you they are grieving by what they say and do. No two people grieve the exact same way, but there are reactions to help you know a child or teen is grieving.<\/p>\n <\/span>Use simple, clear age-appropriate language. <\/b><\/span>Caregivers should explain the death in a compassionate manner using age-appropriate short, simple explanations in language children and teens can understand. It is important to use the right words to talk about the death, such as \u201cMom died from cancer\u201d. Avoid euphemisms like passed away or went to sleep, as they can confuse children and teens. This is key so children and teens do not associate the death with anything other than the reality of how it occurred.<\/p>\n <\/span>Children and teens want to be told the truth about the death. <\/b><\/span>Our instinct is to protect the children and teens from potentially difficult situations. Although it might be more comfortable for us to avoid these conversations, they are very important for the child or teen\u2019s understanding. It can be difficult to explain a stigmatized death to a child or teen, for example, death by suicide or a drug-related death.<\/p>\n <\/span>Be honest. <\/b><\/span>Honesty is the foundation of a trusting relationship between a caregiver and child or teens. Lying to a child or teen about the circumstances of death could lead to bitterness and mistrust when they learn the truth. Let their questions guide what you share. Speak openly and honestly about the death. It is ok not to know all the answers.<\/p>\n <\/span>Take time to prepare for difficult conversations. <\/b><\/span>Take some deep breaths and give yourself time to collect your thoughts. Think of this initial conversation as laying the groundwork, allowing the child or teen to ask questions and explore what they are thinking. It is not the time to share all available information. Focus on ensuring they understand what was said and explain the death was no one\u2019s fault.<\/p>\n <\/span>Accept this is an ongoing conversation. <\/b><\/span>The initial conversation about the death is the start of an ongoing conversation. You should be prepared to revisit the topic over time as the child grows and develops. Plan to check in with the child regularly to support them in the future.<\/p>\n <\/span>Listen. <\/b><\/span>When a child or teen is grieving, people can be quick to offer advice, give opinions and make judgments. Remember to listen without judging, interpreting, or evaluating.<\/p>\n 2022 National Alliance for Children\u2019s Grief | ChildrenGrieve.org<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Should Children Attend a Funeral or Memorial Service?” open_toggle_text_color=”#0B2984″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”#0B2984″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”26px” open_icon_color=”#0B2984″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”26px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Attendance at a memorial service or funeral is a critical issue for bereaved children. The decision must be made quickly following a death. The decision can\u2019t be undone once the service has occurred, so careful planning and consideration is critical. Our experience with children has been that children who do not attend have great regrets for many years about not attending. Those who were not given the option of attending struggle with feelings of anger and betrayal about being deprived of the opportunity.<\/em><\/p>\n Children should be given a choice about whether or not they want to attend a funeral or memorial service, but they must be given enough information to make that choice.<\/strong><\/p>\n If the child decides to attend the service:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Reference: Lost & Found Grief Center<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.kibsd.org\/kms\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/09\/Supporting_a_friend_who_is_grieving_11x17_-_updated_7.30.24-scaled.png” title_text=”Supporting_a_friend_who_is_grieving_11x17_-_updated_7.30.24″ show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n
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