Deciding when a child needs grief counseling can be challenging. While grief is a natural response to loss, some children exhibit persistent or intense symptoms that indicate professional support may be beneficial. Recognizing childhood bereavement symptoms and using therapeutic resources, like The Terrible, Super Sad Day, can help guide families.

Signs a Child May Need Counseling:

• Intense sadness or irritability lasting several weeks

• Withdrawal from friends, family, or favorite activities

• Declining school performance

• Physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches

• Persistent guilt or self-blame

• Difficulty expressing emotions or talking about the loss

Therapeutic books for grieving children, such as The Terrible, Super Sad Day, can serve as a first-step resource before therapy. Child grief activities, like drawing, journaling, or creating memory boxes, complement professional support and provide a structured way for children to process emotions.

Tips for Parents:

• Observe child grief signs carefully.

• Normalize emotions and provide reassurance.

• Use The Terrible, Super Sad Day as a conversation starter and healing tool.

• Engage children in grief activities to express feelings safely.

• Reach out to a therapist if grief reactions intensify or persist.

Early intervention can help children develop healthy coping strategies and navigate grief more effectively.

Call 210.705.1749 today to connect with a therapist, or visit https://www.anscounseling.com/shop to purchase a print, ebook, or Kindle copy of The Terrible, Super Sad Day by Vanessa Valles LCSW-S, an effective tool for children, parents, and caregivers to begin processing grief.