Childhood Grief: How To Recognize The Suffering & Symptoms

By Tracy Renee Lee - Certified Grief Counselor

July 14, 2022

I finally have my grandchildren here for the summer. Of course, there will be fun, but there will also be work during their visit. My grandchildren lost their brother four years ago. Now that they have been with me for a week, I see that my grandson continues to suffer grief. In fact, the most pronounced effects of grief that he has yet to overcome are anger and aggression. He has turned eight since his arrival, and we will work on overcoming his anger while we are together.

How does one assist a child suffering grief associated with anger and aggression? It is a difficult situation. At this point, I believe the best option is to enlist professional counselors specializing in Pediatric Care. As his grandmother, I would never find a grief counselor who would love him more or care more about his treatment than I do. However, as his grandmother and a certified grief counselor, I know he would be better served by someone emotionally detached from our loss.

So how do you know when your child or grandchild might benefit from professional grief counseling? There are signs and symptoms for which you should look. If you notice these signs or symptoms, I would advise you to seriously consider an evaluation by a counselor at the very least.

Signs that your child may need professional assistance for grief recovery: nightmares, belief that the world is generally unsafe, irritability, anger, moodiness, poor concentration, appetite or sleep disturbances, clinginess, bedwetting, refusal to go to school, ongoing depression or suicidal thoughts.

Most insurance will cover the cost of the evaluation and treatments should they be determined necessary. To begin the process, you should speak with your child’s Pediatrician. He or she will make the referral for evaluation. Unless your child is violent, I would not recommend medication at this point. Allow the experts to do their job and get your child the best care available.

If you see your child or grandchild suffering these signs, seek assistance immediately. Do not delay thinking it will pass or that you can help them out of it. These are serious moments and call for serious actions. Please don’t wait until they are embedded Psychological Ailments.

My name is Tracy Renee Lee. I am a Certified Grief Counselor (GC-C), Funeral Director (FDIC), published author, syndicated columnist, Podcaster, and founder of the “Mikey Joe Children’s Memorial” and Heaven Sent, Corp. I write books, weekly bereavement articles, Podcasts and Grief BRIEFs related to understanding and coping with grief. I am the American Funeral Director of the Year Runner-Up and Recipient of the BBB’s Integrity Award.

It is my life's work to comfort the bereaved and help them live on.

For additional encouragement, please visit my podcast “Deadline” at: https://open.spotify.com/show/7MHPy4ctu9OLvdp2JzQsAA Or at: https://anchor.fm/tracy874 and follow me on Instagram at: "Deadline_TracyLee."