Grief and Loss
Understanding Grief and Loss in Children and Teens
Grief and Loss in Children and Teens
Grief is a natural response to losing someone or something significant, but for some children, the pain of loss becomes overwhelming and disrupts their ability to function at home, in school, and in relationships. Children coping with the death of a parent, sibling, caregiver, or close friend may struggle with emotions that go far beyond sadness. In cases of severe or prolonged grief, untreated symptoms can develop into depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, and post-traumatic stress.
At Alexander Youth Network, we understand that children process grief differently than adults. Some may withdraw or appear numb, while others may act out with anger, defiance, or risk-taking behaviors. When grief becomes unmanageable, children and families need specialized, high-level support to heal and rebuild.
What to Look For as a Parent
While grief can look different in every child, here are some signs that may indicate your child needs more intensive support:
- Intense sadness or hopelessness that doesn’t improve with time
- Withdrawal from family, friends, and once-loved activities
- Anger outbursts, aggression, or disruptive behavior at school
- Persistent physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, or sleep difficulties
- Academic decline or loss of interest in schoolwork
- Talking about death, dying, or wishing to be with the lost loved one
- Risk-taking, self-harm, or substance use
If these behaviors are severe or ongoing, your child may benefit from a structured, therapeutic environment like those offered at Alexander Youth Network.Â
Why Early Support for Grief Matters
- An estimated 1 in 11 children in the U.S. (about 6.4 million) will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18, with the North Carolina rate being even higher at 1 in 10 (source from Judi House)
- Children who experience a major loss are at higher risk for depression, substance use, academic struggles, and suicidal thoughts if they don’t receive proper support. (source from National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
Early intervention provides children with coping strategies to manage overwhelming feelings, rebuild trust and security, and prevent long-term emotional or behavioral challenges. For parents, seeking timely help reduces crises in the home and creates a clearer path toward healing.
How Alexander Youth Network Treats Grief and Loss
Our whole-child treatment approach ensures that children struggling with grief and loss receive personalized, intensive care that addresses both the emotional impact of loss and the behavioral challenges that often come with it.
We offer a full continuum of care, including:
Residential Treatment
For children who need 24/7 support in a safe, therapeutic environment. Our Charlotte Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) and Greensboro Residential Treatment Center (RTC) provide structured interventions, psychiatric care, and family therapy to stabilize and support lasting progress.
Intensive In-Home Services
Designed for families managing severe grief-related disruptions in the home. Our therapists work with families to reduce crisis behaviors, strengthen coping skills, and restore stability.
Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST)
An intensive, evidence-based program for teens with complex grief-related behavioral issues, including those who may be justice-involved or engaging in high-risk behaviors. MST works across the home, school, and community.
Outpatient Therapy
For children and teens who require professional support to process grief and loss in a healthy way. Outpatient Therapy provides individual and family sessions with licensed clinicians who help children build coping skills, manage emotions, and strengthen family communication in a safe, supportive setting.
By combining therapeutic care with family involvement, we help children process their grief in healthy ways, build resilience, and move forward with hope.
If your child is struggling with grief or loss and their behaviors feel overwhelming, you don’t have to face it alone. Alexander Youth Network provides the high-level care and support your family needs to begin healing.
How to Get Help
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