Children and Grief

The recent death of our beloved principal, Karen Looft, reminds us that children live, love and lose important people and things in their lives. It is important that the adults who care for them provide support, information and consistency depending upon the age of the child. Our youngest children sometimes believe they may have said or done something to cause the loss. This corresponds with the normal egocentrism of young school-aged children. After grade one, children express great curiosity about death but may also withdraw when feelings of sadness or confusion overwhelm them. Older students may become very anxious, angry, over active, and experience sleep and eating changes. An important thing to remember about children is that loss for them, as with adults, is a cumulative experience. A recent death of someone close may remind them of other losses and intensify their reactions. The counselors at Sope Creek have received specialized training in grief counseling. While we believe our students' best support remains at home, please let us know if you have continuing concerns for your child over the next several weeks. The beginning of this particular school school may be especially challenging for some of our students.