Going Back to School After a Death: 9 Tips

Coping with Grief / Coping with Grief : Litsa Williams



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As you are going through the motions of planning carpools, packing new book bags, and laying out first-day of school outfits, we know that a peek inside your head may reveal a tornado of racing thoughts and anxieties about your child going back to school after a death over the summer. 

The freedom of summer schedules may have provided a lot of time with family for support after a death.  It can be panic-inducing when that has to change. 

You may be worrying whether your children will struggle in school.  Perhaps you're worrying if behavior problems will emerge. You might worry their grades will slip or other kids will say hurtful things.  You could even be worrying that your kids are worrying but are not telling you that they are worrying.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH!

It is normal to be nervous about sending your children back to school after a death.   This is a big transition, for you and for them.  After a death, when our children are grieving, it is our nature to want to protect them. 

If you lost someone this summer there is a good chance you have been watching your child’s every move for signs they are not adapting well.  You may have been spending a lot of extra time together.  There is a fair chance you have been spoiling them a bit, trying to make the pain just a little bit easier.  

The extra time can’t (and shouldn’t) last forever. Think of back to school as a helpful transition back into a regular schedule. It re-establishes a regular pattern of interactions with friends, teachers, and school counselors.  For many children, the routine, social interaction, support, and structure will be helpful.  For some kids, a little extra help will be needed to readjust to school while grieving.

Remember, kids just want to feel 'normal' and a death can make them feel very abnormal.  There are certain things it will be helpful to do to support this transition. Each step of the way keep in mind that your child will not want to feel 'different' or singled out from other children.  Do your best to respect that, while still ensuring your child is prepared and supported.

So how can you prepare for a smooth transition when your child is going back to school after a death? Keep reading!


1. Notify your child’s teacher and school administrators.  

You want your child’s teacher, principal, and other administrators to be aware of the death.  As it is a new school year their teacher likely will not know your child's typical behavior.  This will make it more difficult for them to notice behavioral changes.  Let your child’s teacher know about your child’s normal habits, behaviors, and personality. Encourage them to talk to your child’s teacher from last year, to get a sense of how your child typically behaved and interacted in the classroom. 

Don’t forget that your child may have multiple teachers and they should all be aware.  Art, gym, music teachers, and librarians should all be updated, even if the time they spend with your child is far more limited.  

Make sure to let your child know that you will be talking to the school about the death.  Discuss with them what they are comfortable sharing, so they feel included in the process. Invite them to be part of the conversations if they would like. You don't want a child to be caught off guard that someone was aware of the death when they assumed the person was unaware.


2. Speak with your child’s school counselor

After a death, children may start exhibiting anger, trouble concentrating, isolation from other students, hyperactivity, withdraw, loss of interest in activities, depression, and slipping grades.  These changes can be part of normal grief and adjustment. But, at a certain point they can be a sign that your child needs additional professional support in adapting. 

A school counselor is an important resource to work together with you, your child, and your child’s teachers. They can help determine if behaviors and symptoms seem excessively prolonged or severe.  These could be signs that a mental health evaluation and individual counseling should be sought.  Again, make sure your child knows that the school counselor is aware of the death and will be in communication with everyone.


3. Make a communication plan

It will be important that you, your child’s teacher, and your child's school counselor stay in communication in a way that will work for all parties.  Determine how often and through what medium you will communicate (a weekly email, a call every few weeks, etc).  If you have any concerns at home don’t hesitate to update your child’s teacher and counselor, so they can be aware and request they do the same.


4. Seek evaluation and counseling if appropriate

We have said it 1,000 times before and we will say it 1,000 more times: everyone could benefit from a little therapy – kids included!  If your child’s teacher, principal, or counselor expresses any concern about how your child is adapting and recommend counseling, don’t hesitate.  I know, I know, you may meet some initial resistance from your child.  Family and friends telling you just to give it time and that kids are resilient.  Keep in mind, this is a better safe than sorry situation. 

How your child readjusts to school can be an indicator of how they are coping and adjusting overall, so go ahead and make the appointment if it is recommended.  It can't hurt!!  Some schools now offer school-based mental health programs and counselors, so ask if this is an option.  Not sure what is normal for grieving kids of different ages?  Fear not, we have a post about that here.


5. Prepare your child for other kids

If other students are aware of the death and haven’t seen your child they may ask questions about the death.  Prepare your child that this may occur and let them know that it is their choice what they share with other children.  If your child does not want to discuss the death with other kids, you may wish to practice with them something they can say to other kids if questions arise.  Discuss with them how and when to talk to their teacher if other kids keep asking them questions they are uncomfortable about.

That being said, it can be problematic if a child wants to hide a death from other students.  Do not force them to share this information with other students if they are adamantly unwilling,  If a child wants to hide the death, work with them over time to feel comfortable openly and honestly discussing the death.  If this is an issue you are working through share it with your child's teacher and school counselor so they are aware and can also work with your child toward an open acknowledgment of the loss.

Depending on their age, other kids may make hurtful, ill-informed, or inappropriate comments, whether intentional or unintentional.  Prepare your child that other kids may not understand death and they may say things that are inappropriate. 

Again, make sure they are prepared with how to respond to another child that says something that makes them uncomfortable.  It may be helpful to remind children who are hesitant to honestly share information about the death that other kids may be more likely to unintentionally say harmful things if they are unaware of the death.


6. Brainstorm some coping tools for when things are tough

Your child will inevitably have some tough days or moments at school.  Spend some time talking to them about things they can do to cope when they are having a hard time.  This may mean talking to a specific friend who they feel especially safe with, talking to a teacher or other trusted adult at the school, carrying something with them that helps them feel comforted or safe, asking for time to go the guidance counselor or any number of other things that you and your child could come up with together.  Looking for some ideas and activities for supporting kids?  We have those here. 


7. Prepare your child for work with a school counselor

If your child has not had much contact with the school guidance counselor in the past, let them know who the counselor is, what their job is, and make a plan for you and your child to meet the guidance counselor together in advance of school if your child is nervous.  The goal is for your child to feel comfortable being open and honest with the school counselor, so helping them know what to expect is important to get the relationship off to a good start.


8. Identify adults your child trusts

There is a good chance your child will have a brand new teacher and may or may not have a relationship with the school counselor.  If your child doesn’t have an existing relationship with these people, it may be good to identify any adults in the school they do trust and feel comfortable talking to.  This may be a teacher from a previous grade, a music/art/gym/library teacher, a principle, teacher’s aide, or office secretary. 

If there is someone your child trusts, let your child’s teacher, guidance counselor, and that individual know.  Ideally, the school will allow some flexibility for your child to speak with that person if they are having a difficult day.


9. Give your child permission to enjoy school

A new school year is exciting!  It means a new grade, seeing old friends and making new friends, a new teacher, and all sorts of other new and exciting experiences.  After a death, a child may still be feeling confused, guilty, or self-conscious about having fun and being happy when something terrible has happened.  Make sure to remind your child that you want them to enjoy school and that it is normal for them to be happy and have fun.


Bonus Tip: Don't forget to prepare for your transition back to work!

It is easy to get so focused on your child's needs that you forget to tend to your own needs. Check out the post on going back to work after a death. The better you take care of yourself, the better you can support the grieving children in your life!

Prefer to listen to your grief support?  Check out our podcast on supporting children who are returning to school after a death.

Did you find this helpful?  Or do you know someone else with a child who may find this helpful?  If so make sure to share!  

We wrote a book!

After writing online articles for What’s Your Grief
for over a decade, we finally wrote a tangible,
real-life book!

After writing online articles for What’s Your Grief for over a decade, we finally wrote a tangible, real-life book!

What’s Your Grief? Lists to Help you Through Any Loss is for people experiencing any type of loss. This book discusses some of the most common grief experiences and breaks down psychological concepts to help you understand your thoughts and emotions. It also shares useful coping tools, and helps the reader reflect on their unique relationship with grief and loss.

You can find What’s Your Grief? Lists to Help you Through Any Loss wherever you buy books:

Let’s be grief friends.

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22 Comments on "Going Back to School After a Death: 9 Tips"

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  1. Kelly  August 28, 2020 at 11:43 am Reply

    When my husband died it was right before Thanksgiving break. We went and met with teachers during break so that kids could tell teachers their preferences prior to returning, which worked out great. They also set a “signal” kid could use to let the teacher know they needed time, and all agreed on extended bathroom break or walk to office if necessary. Kids really wanted way to ask for help without calling attention to themselves or looking “different”.

  2. Sienna Huntington  June 2, 2020 at 7:39 pm Reply

    Hi,
    2 weeks ago my grandmother passed away and the funeral was yesterday. She had looked after me since I was about 3/4 with my brother and now my mum is looking after us but she’s making us come to school straight after the funeral. I haven’t had time to think about it so how do I ask my mum to stay home for a day so I can get things straight with my brain? And also, how do I deal with grief at school straight after the funeral?

  3. lauren cox  July 14, 2019 at 9:21 pm Reply

    My mother passed and my grandparents are making me live with them. I hate them. my dad was an addict and hes been in jail since i was 3 and he just got out. im going to a new school and im scared he’ll show up and ruin things. any help?

    • Eleanor Haley  August 16, 2019 at 5:31 pm Reply

      Oh Lauren, I’m so sorry. That’s tough. First I would say to think of other adults in your life who you trust. No one will replace your mom, but if you aren’t close with your grandparents, if there are any teachers, neighbors, coaches, school counselors, or anyone else you feel comfortable with, it might be helpful to build those relationships. At the least, let the school counselor and (if you’re comfortable with it) your teachers know what you’re going through at the beginning of the year. That will make it easier to talk with them if things come up that are especially hard or triggering. Finally, think about giving your grandparents feedback if there are particular things that are bothering you. Often family are trying to help, but they say and do all the wrong things. If we don’t tell them , they don’t have the chance to correct it. Now, the reality is that they simply might not correct it. But we’ll never know if we don’t give them a chance.

  4. Kim Breukink  August 21, 2018 at 4:47 pm Reply

    Excellent post. FYI, the link for some ideas and activities for supporting kids? does not work 🙁

  5. Marci Scher  August 14, 2018 at 9:03 am Reply

    September 15th marks the 2nd anniversary of my son’s passing, at the age of 13, from a rare Neuro-muscular disease. He left behind, my husband, myself, but more importantly his twin sister. Every year, I would update her teachers, on his medical condition and prognosis. Last year, she started high school, so I made sure to let her teachers know about our family and the year anniversary of his passing. In addition, I also worked with her school counselor and took her into meet the counselor before school started. I guess my question is, do I email her teachers this year, all are new ones expect for one, to let them know about our family and her loss. At what point do I stop, sharing the information for her?

    • Eleanor Haley  August 16, 2019 at 5:35 pm Reply

      I am so sorry I missed this question last year, but I am answering now for this year or anyone else reading. The reality of grief is that it stays with kids and evolves with them. They often “regrieve” at each new developmental stage or with new milestones. So, though it might feel like too much, we recommend that you share every year. Even if your 16 year old lost a sibling or parent when they were 6, there are still things that might come up for them as they hit certain milestones or things they think about at this age that can trigger grief and be helpful for the school to be aware of.

  6. Bradley Vinon  August 11, 2018 at 12:18 pm Reply

    @Jen I would see if the school would be open to resources you may provide to help their teachers help your daughter be as successful as possible while grieving and trying to be a good student. There are many websites that focus on student/child grief that have brochures, white papers, etc that can be downloaded.

    You will have to be a strong advocate for your daughter at that school (and any other schools she will attend) to let them know lapses in concentration, behavior changes, etc will come.

    I am in a similar position with my grandsons, and I have started to reach out to their school admins/counselors to sit down and talk about how they are best served during this time. My desire is to also serve other schools on how to recognize and care for their grieving children.

  7. Jen  August 10, 2018 at 3:27 pm Reply

    So it will be two years in oct that i lost my babygirl an my oldest daughter is having a hard time with it still the school knows but will not help her at all is there anything i can do so the school can help her.

    • Eleanor Haley  August 16, 2019 at 5:40 pm Reply

      It is really outside the school’s scope to do a lot of grief counseling, but you can meet with the school counselor to see what is available and request weekly meetings with the counselor or a school social worker or therapist, if that is an option. What we would recommend is that you look for a grief center in your local community, as their role is to offer support to grieving children and teens and they specialize in this. You can find grief centers by googling or check the National Alliance for Grieving Children website.

  8. Bella  May 16, 2018 at 7:21 am Reply

    My grandfather past away today and iv got school tommorow I don’t believe I’m ready can some one pls.help me

  9. Bella  May 16, 2018 at 7:21 am Reply

    My grandfather past away today and iv got school tommorow I don’t believe I’m ready can some one pls.help me

    • Eleanor Haley  August 16, 2019 at 5:43 pm Reply

      I’m sorry we didn’t see this comment when you posted, but for any feeling the same – please talk with your parent or caregive or whoever decides if you should go to school and explain how you are feeling. If you do go, check in with your school counselor and let them know what is going on and make a plan for if things feel too much during the day. Let your teachers know or, if it is easier, ask the counselor to please let your teachers know. Cut yourself some slack and know it will be hard. If you can transition back by going in for a half day first then a full day, that can help to ease things in.

  10. Liz Youll  December 12, 2017 at 7:25 pm Reply

    Please help my mother has died and my 14yr old with autism has taken it awful bad they were close. They are getting off school for Christmas she cant stop crying and dreams can i let her stay off until we have her sorted out i need some advice please.

  11. Liz Youll  December 12, 2017 at 7:25 pm Reply

    Please help my mother has died and my 14yr old with autism has taken it awful bad they were close. They are getting off school for Christmas she cant stop crying and dreams can i let her stay off until we have her sorted out i need some advice please.

  12. Kelsey  January 5, 2016 at 12:08 pm Reply

    I was reading this to prepare myself for upcoming events and I dont know how I will cope at school scince we are going back soon I have really bad trust issues and I can only trust few teachers like my head of year I don’t know how I’ll greave and I don’t want to talk to a school counciler because I’m with department of child protection they need to give precision to speak to me but I can’t do that because if my reasons and I don’t know what to do

    • Eleanor  January 5, 2016 at 1:23 pm Reply

      Hey Kelsey,

      I’m sorry, it sounds like you feel very alone in all of this. You’re thinking ahead, which I think is good. Hopefully you will feel a little more prepared when you return to school. If you feel you need someone to talk to, I would recommend talking to those few people who you feel you can trust. Is seeing a counselor an option? Are there specific worries or questions we can answer for you?

      Eleanor

  13. Alison  August 26, 2013 at 9:02 am Reply

    Great post. I volunteer with our local Hospice, which additionally serves family by offering bereavement counseling. This would be a great hand-out for our families; by chance, would it be possible to get your permission to copy, print, and share with our clients as needed? We would give full credit to your site and this particular post.

    Thanks,
    Alison S.
    Hospice bereavement volunteer

    • Eleanor  August 26, 2013 at 9:15 am Reply

      Alison,

      Absolutely we are all for sharing! If you don’t mind including our website for their reference and if they want to ask any specific questions.

      Thanks for reading!

  14. Beth Marshall  August 26, 2013 at 8:51 am Reply

    Outstanding practical tips! I just shared your post with a friend!

    • Eleanor  August 26, 2013 at 9:14 am Reply

      Beth! Thank you so much! I hope the post helps your friend and her child.

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