How to Help Teens Cope With Tragedy

Tragedy, as unavoidable as you wish it was, is all around. At some point, your teen is going to experience tragedy, whether it is the loss of a loved one or a friend, sickness or some other type of loss that he will never forget. You can̵7;t shield him from pain, but you can help him cope with this tragedy and come to terms with the loss he is facing. Teens understand loss better than children, but that doesn̵7;t make it any easier for them to accept when it happens in their lives.

Instructions

    • 1

      Allow your teen to have time to grieve when tragedy strikes, advises Mourning Cloak, a website designed to help parents and caregivers teach children and teens to deal with loss. Grief is not something that can be turned on and off, which means you need to avoid pressing your teen to put it behind her and move on with her life. She needs time to process what has happened, to mourn it and to move on in her own time. There is no set amount of time in which she will move on from what has happened, which means you need to watch out for her, listen to her and support her feelings.

    • 2

      Talk to your teen about any questions he may have about the loss his is suffering, advises the National Association of School Psychologists. For example, if he lost a friend in an automobile accident, let him know that you are there for him if he has any questions about what happened, such as why his friend̵7;s life was taken but the drunk driver who hit him is okay. Your teen may have many questions of this nature, such as why cancer happens or if the illness his loved one passed away from runs in the family, or anything else. Do your best to answer his questions, and be honest if you don̵7;t know the answer to something.

    • 3

      Let your teen find comfort where she is comfortable seeking it. According to the National Association of School Psychologists, your teen may look for comfort from this tragedy from her friends, a trusted relative, or she may turn to you. Wherever she feels comfortable, let her seek comfort, and just be there for her. Don̵7;t force her to come to you if that is not what she wants; just be there for her if she needs you.

    • 4

      Continue to discipline your teen when he breaks the rules, provide him comfort and acceptance, build his self-esteem and be there for him emotionally, advises the Mourning Cloak. Your teen may be dealing with tragedy and you may be helping him cope, but changing the normal everyday structure in his life is not helpful. Continue to do what you usually do every day to help him cope with this loss.

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