Children & Grief | Symptoms Your Child May Experience

What is the difference between grieving children and grieving adults? 

Since children are still in their developmental stages, they may have a hard time expressing their feelings. Often called invisible grievers, children may not show their grief right away.

Behavioral changes to look out for are 

• Difficulty sleeping 

• Increase of nightmares

• Increased fear and/ or anxiety 

• Changes in appetite

• Difficulty concentrating (could result in a drop in grades) 

• Violent play 

• Self-destructive behaviors 

• Tendency to withdraw from people and/or certain environments

References

Behm, Sarah. “Grief by Age: Developmental Stages and Ways to Help | Eluna Network.”

Elunanetwork.org, 2025, elunanetwork.org/resources/developmental-grief-responses/.

Bowen, Victoria . “Children and Grief | Behavioral Care Philadelphia | FairmountBHS.com.”

Fairmountbhs.com, fairmountbhs.com/patients-families/resources/children-grief-symptoms-coping-methods/.

Cormell, Sarah. “Do Children Grieve.” Mayo Clinic Health System, 2 Dec. 2022,

www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/do-children-grieve.