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Try to keep them to regular routines and give them opportunities for the constructive venting of feelings and grief.
Teenagers process grief more like adults, experiencing anger and sadness as they begin to cope. Do not feel disappointed if it seems that they may want to talk more to their friends than parents. This type of behaviour can also help them share their feelings and heal. Because their grief is similar to that of an adult, a teenager may take longer to recover from a loss than a younger child. Questions may arise about mortality and vulnerability. Your role is to empathize with them, listen to their concerns and remind them that their feelings are accepted. Moreover, your role is to reassure them that things will get better with time.
The Value of a Service
Funerals and celebrations of life serve two purposes: the first is to mourn the loss of the person who has died, and the second is to celebrate the life of the person who has died. Since the 1900’s, Western culture has tended to avoid mourning, and consequently avoid funerals or memorials. As was discussed
in the grief section, true avoidance of grief is ultimately impossible and unhealthy.
Grief and Memorialization and/or Celebration of Life
Because the funeral or celebration will take place in the first two stages of the grief process, it is vital in order to someday heal. Being at the funeral or celebration allows for you and your loved ones to acknowledge the reality of death. It also allows the opportunity to express our pain, and support those we love.
The service is not only for the deceased, but more importantly for those left behind. Experts in grief claim that those who avoid the services or viewing of their loved ones have the greatest trouble in completing their grief process. Acknowledgement and realization of reality are both pivotal for grief.
Every life is Worth Remembering
Honoring the one you lost is an important part of the grief process.
Page 16 - Devlin Funeral Home