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This article on mental health from the American Psychological Association examines the psychological impacts of Covid-19 in America. Due to long-term stress from Covid-19, there has been a significant increase in reported mental health conditions and chronic illnesses. The majority of adults downplayed their stress knowing others had worse. In the PK-4th grade classroom, teachers can use brain breaks in between lessons to allow students to let loose and relieve their stress. There can also be a cool-down corner where students can go to relax and recompose themselves.

American Psychological Association. (2023, November 1). Stress in America™ 2023: A nation grappling with psychological impacts of collective trauma [Press release]. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/11/psychological-impacts-collective-trauma

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Washington - U.S. society appears to be experiencing the psychological impacts of a collective trauma in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the results of a new survey by the American Psychological Association. Psychologists warn that a superficial characterization of life being "back to normal" is obscuring the post-traumatic effects on mental and physical health.

The long-term stress sustained since the Covid-19 pandemic began has had a significant impact on well-being, evidenced by a significant increase in reported mental health conditions and chronic illnesses, according to the results of Stress in America™ 2023, a nationwide survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of APA among more than 3,000 U.S. adults age 18+.

The survey revealed that those ages 35 to 44 reported the most significant increase in chronic health conditions since the pandemic-58% in 2023 compared with 48% in 2019. Adults ages 35 to 44 also experienced the highest increase in mental health diagnoses-45% reported a mental illness in 2023 compared with 31% in 2019-though adults ages 18 to 34 still reported the highest rate of mental illnesses at 50% in 2023. Adults ages 35 to 44 were more likely to report that money (77% vs. 65%) and the economy (74% vs. 51%) were the factors that cause them significant stress today compared with 2019.

"The Covid-19 pandemic created a collective experience among Americans. While the early pandemic lockdowns may seem like the distant past, the aftermath remains," said Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, APA's chief executive officer. "We cannot ignore the fact that we have been significantly changed by the loss of more than one million Americans, as well as the shift in our workplaces, school systems and culture at large. To move toward post-traumatic growth, we must first identify and understand the psychological wounds that remain."

APA psychologists noted that many people had generally positive perceptions of their physical health even when they reported being diagnosed with a chronic condition. More than four in five adults rated their physical health as good, very good or excellent (81%), yet 66% of adults said they have been told by a health care provider that they have a chronic illness.

Furthermore, 81% of adults reported their mental health as good, very good or excellent, while more than one-third (37%) said they have a diagnosed mental health condition-a 5 percentage point increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019 (32%).

The majority of adults also downplayed their stress; 67% said their problems aren't "bad enough" to be stressed about, knowing that others have it worse. When asked why they don't seek treatment, adults' top reasons were the belief that therapy doesn't work (40%), lack of time (39%) or lack of insurance (37%). Despite these reasons, nearly half (47%) said they wish they had someone to help manage their stress, and 62% reported they don't talk about their stress because they don't want to burden others.

Nearly a quarter of adults (24%) rated their average stress between eight and 10 on a scale of one to 10 where one means little to no stress and 10 means a great deal of stress. This is up from 19% in 2019, before the pandemic. This increase was mirrored across all age groups except those age 65+: 34% of those age 18 to 34 reported this in 2023 (+8 percentage points from 2019); 31% of those 35 to 44 (+10 percentage points); 22% of those 45 to 64 (+4 percentage points); and 9% of those 65+ (-1 percentage point). Parents of children under the age of 18 who ranked their average stress between eight and 10 also saw a significant increase (33% in 2023 vs. 24% in 2019).

In 2023, parents were more likely than other adults to report that financial strain increased in their household (46% vs. 34%), that money is a cause of fights in their family (58% vs. 30%) and that they are more likely to feel consumed by worries regarding money (66% vs. 39%). Most troubling is that compared with other adults, parents of children under the age of 18 were more likely to report that on most days their stress is completely overwhelming (48% vs. 26%), they are so stressed they feel numb (42% vs. 22%) or on most days they are so stressed they can't function (41% vs. 20%).

"Stress affects all systems of the body, so it is crucial that Americans know the serious impacts of stress and what they can do to reduce the effect of stressors in their life, as well as receive help from their health care providers, workplace and support systems to prevent further health crises," said Evans.

More information on the survey findings and how to handle stress is available on the Stress in America webpage.

Methodology

The research was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Psychological Association among 3,185 adults age 18+ who reside in the U.S. (i.e., a national sample). In addition, oversamples allowed for increased totals by race/ethnicity: 805 Black, 811 Latino/a/e and 800 Asian individuals. For adults who identify as Latino/a/e, interviews were conducted in English and Spanish. The survey was conducted Aug. 4-26, 2023.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Harris' surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data for the national sample is accurate to within + 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.

A full methodology is available.

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Stress in America™ 2023: A nation grappling with psychological impacts of collective trauma

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U.S. society appears to be experiencing the psychological impacts of a collective trauma in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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This article on healthy eating from NBC News discuss what foods nutritionists and dietitians avoid in their own lives. They tend to foods and beverages that are high in added sugar and sodium. Instead, they stray towards the whole foods approach, which uses fresh meats and produce to get all their nutrients. The article also emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to eating healthy, and you have to make sure what you're eating is balanced. In the PK-4th grade classroom, teachers can talk about the food pyramid and what makes a balanced diet.

Mogg, K. (2023, December 10). Nutritionists and dietitians reveal the foods they avoid in their own lives. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/nutritionists-dietitians-reveal-foods-they-avoid-rcna128794

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Charcuterie boards, eggnog, candy: For many, the holiday season means indulging in these types of unhealthy treats.

But doctors and nutritionists say that in their own lives, what they generally avoid are beverages and processed foods that contain high levels of added sugar and salt.

NBC News spoke with nine health experts - doctors, registered dietitians and nutrition professors - about their approaches to a healthy diet. Nearly all said they try to replace items like cookies, crackers and deli meats with vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

"I really try to do a whole foods approach," said Jaimie Davis, a registered dietitian and professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Texas at Austin. "My rule is that if I'm having dinner or lunch, I'm trying to make everything not come out of a package. So that could be chicken breasts with broccoli and rice."

Here's how the experts determine what to avoid.

Sweet drinks are highly caloric

Davis said she avoids sodas, sports drinks, coffee and other sugary beverages to reduce her calorie intake and keep her two teenage boys healthy.

"We have the LaCroixs and the sparkling waters if we want something special, as opposed to just normal water or just regular milk," Davis said. "We also make a lot of aguas frescas, so like infused waters with basil and strawberries."

Some alcoholic cocktails are also deceptively sugary and caloric, she said. Instead, Davis recommends mixing sparkling water with a dash of hard liquor, and garnishing with fruit like raspberries or pomegranate seeds.

Research has long demonstrated a link between high sugar intake and obesity and heart disease. An October study looking at the effects of consuming sugary drinks on adults in 185 countries found they were associated with risks for Type 2 diabetes, cancer and tooth decay.

"It's almost better to eat a Snickers bar than to drink a 20-fluid-ounce Coke," Davis said.

Foods high in sodium can be thought of as treats

Angel Planells, a Seattle-based registered dietitian nutritionist, said he avoids admittedly "delicious" foods like cured meats, smoked fish, canned soups and frozen TV dinners.

"I like to talk to my patients and say, you know, these things are like treats," he added. "If you have them all the time, they're not a treat, they're now a habit."

These sodium-rich foods can lead to issues with heart health, Planells said. The American Heart Association suggests that, ideally, people consume less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day, and the maximum should be 2,300 milligrams. Too much salt is linked to high blood pressure and obesity, a 2021 study found.

Lauren Au, a professor of nutritional sciences at the University of California, Davis, said she cooks at home and limits restaurant outings to avoid sodium. She also follows a plant-based, Mediterranean-style diet that limits red meat consumption and emphasizes vegetables, nuts, whole grains and beans. Au said her diet includes olive oil, seafood, chicken and tofu.

"I also have young kids. So when they're first exposed to foods, you really want to reduce the amount of sodium because they're developing their taste preferences," Au said. "When I cook, I try to limit, if not have much sodium at all, and then just add it on to taste after it's cooked."

A high price to pay for fatty snacks

Dr. Linda Shiue, an internist and director of culinary and lifestyle medication at Kaiser Permanente, said she avoids snacks like packaged cookies and crackers. She also checks food labels for chemicals used as additives or preservatives.

"If you don't know what it is, you really don't need it in your body," she said.

Eating large quantities of ultraprocessed foods can raise one's risk of obesity, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, depression and death, according to a 2020 review of published research. This category of food includes sodas, hot dogs, candy, breakfast cereals and ice cream, which can contain high levels of saturated fat.

A 2020 study showed that eating less saturated fat is linked to reduced risk of heart attacks, while other research published the same year found that diets high in saturated fat were associated with higher rates of death from all causes.

Shiue said it's important to prioritize vegetables because they're a source of fiber, which can improve gut health, and antioxidants that help prevent chronic disease. Making vegetables enjoyable comes down to cooking methods and seasonings, she added. A cooking instructor, Shiue said she once once convinced a hater of Brussels sprouts to love them by roasting the sprouts at high heat in the oven and seasoning with olive oil, salt and pepper.

"A lot of people who don't like vegetables, it's because they grew up with people who didn't know how to cook them. So they might have these sad, soggy, colorless vegetables, and who wants to eat that?" Shiue said.

There's no one-size-fits-all way to eat healthy

Several nutrition experts interviewed emphasized that there's no one, uniform way to eat healthy, and that factors including socioeconomic status, access to affordable healthy food, and an understanding of food labels can stand in the way of a nutritious diet.

For those who don't know where to start, Maya Feller, a registered dietitian nutritionist in New York City, suggested visiting a doctor to get a better sense of one's personal health: "Where are your blood sugars? How's your blood pressure? Where's your cholesterol?"

Once you know there's no dysfunction or allergies, she said, then work on making fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds and legumes "a central part of your pattern of eating."

However, Laura Bellows, an associate professor of nutritional sciences at Cornell University, said that rather than avoiding certain foods altogether, she takes a moderation-is-key approach and follows the dietary guidelines outlined by the Department of Agriculture.

"There are no bad foods, only bad quantities," she said.

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Nutritionists and dietitians reveal the foods they avoid in their own lives

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Nutritionists and dietitians share healthy eating tips and the foods they avoid. Steer clear of processed food high in sugar and salt, and find ways to make vegetables enjoyable.

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This article on exercise from Iowa State University examines the results of half-cardio and half-strength training to reduce cardiovascular disease. Study results indicate splitting physical activity between aerobic and resistance training reduces cardiovascular disease more than aerobic only. Currently, the right dose of exercise is at least 150 minutes each week of moderate intensity aerobic exercise and two sessions per week of resistance training. In the PK-4th grade classroom, teachers can introduce various exercises that are both resistance and aerobic for the children to try. The teacher can make a brief PowerPoint that explains each exercise and send the PowerPoint to parents/students.

Lee, D.-C. (2024, January 17). New research finds half-cardio, half-strength training reduces cardiovascular disease risks. Iowa State University News Service. https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2024/01/17/cardio-strength

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Posted

AMES, Iowa - Approximately one in three deaths in the U.S. is caused by cardiovascular disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A robust body of evidence shows aerobic exercise can reduce risks, especially for people who are overweight or obese. But few studies have compared results with resistance exercise - also known as strength or weight training - or with workout regimens that are half aerobic and half resistance. Researchers at Iowa State University led one of the longest and largest supervised exercise trials to help fill this gap.

Their results, published in European Heart Journal, indicate that splitting the recommended amount of physical activity between aerobic and resistance exercise reduces cardiovascular disease risks as much as aerobic-only regimens. Resistance exercise on its own for the same amount of time did not provide the same heart health benefits when compared to the control group.

"If you're bored with aerobic exercise and want variety or you have joint pain that makes running long distances difficult, our study shows you can replace half of your aerobic workout with strength training to get the same cardiovascular benefits. The combined workout also offers some other unique health benefits, like improving your muscles," says Duck-chul Lee, lead author and professor of kinesiology at Iowa State.

Performing a certain number of sets and repetitions with weight machines, free weights, elastic bands or your own body weight through push-ups or lunges, all fall under resistance exercise.

"One of the most common reasons why people don't exercise is because they have limited time. The combined exercise with both cardio and strength training we're suggesting is not more time consuming," Lee underscores.

Co-authors from Iowa State include Angelique Brellenthin, associate professor of kinesiology; Lorraine Lanningham-Foster, department chair and associate professor of food science and human and nutrition; Marian Kohut, the Barbara E. Forker Professor in kinesiology. Yehua Li, professor of statistics at the University of California Riverside, also contributed.

In the paper, they wrote: "These findings may help develop clinical and public health practices and recommendations for the approximately 2 billion adults with overweight or obesity worldwide who are at increased risk of [cardiovascular disease.]"

One of the longest, largest exercise trials

Four hundred and six participants between 35 and 70 years of age enrolled in the one-year randomized controlled exercise trial. All met the threshold for being overweight or obese with body mass indexes between 25-40 kg/m2 and had elevated blood pressure.

The researchers randomly assigned participants to one of four groups: no exercise, aerobic only, resistance only, or aerobic plus resistance. Those who were in one of the three exercise groups worked out under supervision for one hour, three times a week for one year.

Every participant in one of the exercise groups received a tailored workout routine based on their individual fitness levels, health conditions and progression. Those assigned to resistance training were given a certain number of sets, repetitions and weights for weight-lifting machines. With aerobic exercises, participants wore a heart rate monitor and inserted a unique exercise program key into a treadmill or stationary bike. Sensing the participant's heart rate, the machine automatically adjusted the speed and grade to match the prescribed intensity.

Researchers collected physical activity and diet data outside the lab, as well. All participants, including those in the no exercise group, wore pedometers to measure daily steps. They met every three months with registered dietitians at Iowa State for "Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension" education, which is promoted by the National Institutes of Health. On three random days per month, participants were asked to record what they had consumed in the last 24 hours with an online dietary assessment tool developed by the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

At the start of the year-long clinical trial, six months in and at the end, the researchers measured each participant's systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting glucose and body fat percentage. All are well-established cardiovascular disease risk factors.

"Many previous studies only looked at one of these four factors, but it's really multiple factors combined that increase cardiovascular disease risk," explains Lee.

The researchers used a composite score to fairly quantify changes across all four factors since each uses a different unit of measurement. A lower composite score indicates less risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

Main findings

At the end of the year-long trial, the percentage of body fat in all three exercise groups had decreased significantly compared to the no-exercise control group. The authors write in the paper that "every -1% body fat reduction is associated with -3%, -4%, and -8% lower risks of developing [cardiovascular disease] risk factors of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and metabolic syndrome."

However, taking all four cardiovascular disease risk factors into account, the aerobic and combined exercise groups had lower composite scores than the control group. The results were consistent across gender and age.

Secondary findings

Over the course of the 12-month study, those in the aerobic-only group continued to improve with the VO2max test, which is the maximum rate of oxygen consumption attainable during a maximal treadmill test. The resistance-only group stayed relatively flat. The inverse was true for the maximal bench and leg press tests for muscular strength; the resistance-only group continued to improve while the aerobic-only group did not.

However, the combination exercise group improved both aerobic fitness and muscular strength.

Finding the right dose

The authors say their findings support "physical activity guidelines recommending both resistance and aerobic exercise by the U.S., [World Health Organization] and European Society of Cardiology, specifically for individuals with obesity." Currently, it's at least 150 minutes each week of moderate intensity aerobic exercise and two sessions per week of resistance training.

"But these guidelines don't specify how long those strength training sessions should be to get the health benefits," says Lee.

With a newly awarded grant from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Lee wants to find "the right dose" of resistance exercise among adults who are overweight or obese. He plans to conduct another randomized controlled resistance exercise trial, this time with 240 participants. The study will compare results from 0-, 15-, 30- and 60-minute resistance sessions, twice per week for six months in a supervised exercise lab. Participants in all four groups also will be asked to do 30-minute sessions of moderate intensity aerobic exercise, twice per week, per the physical activity guidelines.

During the second six-month phase, participants will receive a free health club membership and be asked to continue their assigned regimen, unsupervised. Lee explains this will help identify which dose of resistance exercise is both effective and feasible outside experimental trials.

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New research finds half-cardio, half-strength training reduces cardiovascular disease risks

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Posted AMES, Iowa - Approximately one in three deaths in the U.S. is caused by cardiovascular disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A robust body of evidence shows aerobic exercise can reduce risks, especially for people who are overweight or obese.

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This article on personal health and wellness from ABC News gives an update about the measles outbreak in Philadelphia. As of January 16, there is a confirmed 9 cases of measles. 8 of these cases are in Philadelphia, and 1 case is in Camden County, New Jersey. Measles is a very contagious disease and if not treated, it can lead to pneumonia, brain infection, and death. The city has set up vaccination sites for anybody who wants the vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella. In the PK-4th grade classroom, teachers can talk to students about why it is important to get checked out when they're not feeling well.

9th case of measles confirmed in Philadelphia as city organizes vaccination opportunities. (2024, January 16). 6ABC Action News. https://6abc.com/measles-outbreak-vaccination-clinics-philadelphia/14331178/

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PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The City of Philadelphia confirmed an additional case of measles on Tuesday night, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to nine.

The health department says eight of these cases are in Philadelphia, while one is outside the city.

There is also a confirmed case in Camden County, New Jersey.

This is the fifth case associated with the previously reported outbreak at a day care center.

WHAT IS MEASLES?

Measles is a virus that spreads easily, according to health officials.

Measles transmission is primarily spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. Airborne transmission has been documented in closed areas for up to two hours after a person with measles has occupied the area. Because measles is very contagious, it is important to identify anyone who may have been exposed and does not have immunity to the disease.

Measles symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and puffy eyes, followed by a rash. In some cases, it can be a serious infection that leads to pneumonia, brain infection, and death.

VACCINATION OPPORTUNITIES

The Philadelphia Health Department has organized several vaccination opportunities for measles, mumps, and rubella.

Residents seeking vaccination do not need to bring identification to the site. Officials say providing a piece of mail with their name will qualify them as city residents.

If a resident has insurance, they are encouraged to bring that information with them, but it is not required.

Health Center 3 at 555 S. 43rd Street, Health Center 4 at 4400 Haverford Avenue, and Health Center 5 at 1900 N. 20th Street will be open Monday through Thursday for vaccinations.

They will operate from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., then again from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Health Center 10 at 2230 Cottman Avenue will be open on Jan. 20 and Jan. 27 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The same center will also be open on Feb. 10 during the same hours.

Any child in Philadelphia can get vaccinated at any city health center, officials say. Residents can call 215-685-2933 to make an appointment.

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9th case of measles confirmed in Philadelphia as city organizes vaccination opportunities

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The City of Philadelphia confirmed an additional case of measles on Tuesday night, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to nine.

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This article on intentional injury and violence from Psychology Today explains how to reduce risk when reporting. Being Mandated Reporters (MRs) means we have to report suspected abuse, but even with immunity, there are still risks. If a MR isn't sure about suspected child, document and ask a school administrator for help. Not reporting holds consequences for the MR varying from fines to jail time. As MRs, we need to be realistic about reporting risks and do our best to protect ourselves when performing this critical mandate. In the PK-4th grade classroom, teachers can let children know they are there for them as well as guidance counselors. There isn't much teachers can do except let children know they want the best for them and will support them no matter what.

Sippel, F. (2024, January 16). Reducing Risk When Reporting Suspected Child Abuse. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dont-shoot-the-messenger/202401/reducing-risk-when-reporting-suspected-child-abuse

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Reducing Risk When Reporting Suspected Child Abuse

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Do you know about reporting risks and how to mitigate them?

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This article on preventing tobacco use from the CDC discusses how e-cigarette use is down among U.S. high school students. Youth e-cigarette use remains a critical public health concern, as approximately half of students who ever tried e-cigarettes reported currently using them. This indicates that many youth who try e-cigarettes remain e-cigarette users. Youth tobacco product use can lead to lifelong nicotine addiction and subsequent disability, disease, and death. In the PK-4th grade classroom, teachers can talk about the risks associated with e-cigarettes and tobacco and why it is damaging to the developing adolescent brain.

E-cigarette Use Down Among U.S. High School Students in 2023. (2023, November 3). CDC Newsroom. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/s1102-e-cigarettes-down.html

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Press releases, advisories, telebriefings, transcripts and archives.

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This article on preventing alcohol use from the Mayo Clinic Health Center gives parents tips on how to talk to their children in order to prevent alcohol use. Children don't know if the media is giving them the truth or spreading lives, that when parents to talk to them, the children are given the truth. Talking openly about these topics gives children an understanding as to why alcohol use is bad. In the PK-4th classroom, the teacher can explain the signs of excessive alcohol use and various interventions that can work for them.

Oesterle, T. (2023, December 8). Have you talked to your children about alcohol use? Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/have-you-talked-to-your-children-about-alcohol-use

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Get tips to help you talk with your children about the dangers of alcohol. It could save a life.

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This article on dealing with grief and loss from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America gives tips on how to help kids deal with grief. It is essential to know that grief takes on a variety of forms and everybody experiences it differently. The most important thing and adult can do is have a conversation with the grieving child because this allows the child to feel supported. In the United States, most young people will experience bereavement or the death of a family member or friend by the time they reach high school graduation. In the PK-4th grade classroom, teachers can send out "Handle with Care" papers, which allows parents to discreetly tell the teacher something difficult is going on at home. Also, let the child know the classroom is a safe space to deal with their emotions and thoughts, and that you will be there for them no matter what.

When a Loved One Dies: Helping Kids Cope with Grief. (2023, November 28). Boys & Girls Clubs of America. https://www.bgca.org/news-stories/2023/November/when-a-loved-one-dies-helping-kids-cope-with-grief

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With the death of a loved one comes grief - the natural mental, emotional, spiritual, physical and social reaction when a loved one dies.

In the United States, most young people will experience bereavement or the death of a family member or friend by the time they reach high school graduation. ¹ In fact, 1 in 12 U.S. children will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. Each one of these kids will experience grief in their own unique way.

Though 41% of bereaved young people will put on a brave face to avoid upsetting their surviving parent, telltale signs of grief may include irritability, indifference to once-favored activities, sleeping difficulties, and struggling academically. Research conducted by The New York Life Foundation, a partner of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, found that 68% of Gen Z respondents (youth born between 1997 and 2012) shared their need for support when someone dies, but just 52% claimed to be aware of services available to them. That's no surprise, as the majority of Americans (63%) say they feel awkward discussing grief.

To cope, accept and move forward, kids need time and space in which they can talk about their grief. They also need to develop the resilience to adapt and function despite any change the passing of their loved one has caused in their lives. Building resilience in a young person begins with ongoing connections with adults who care.

Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the nation are providing safe spaces in which kids and teens can express their feelings honestly while building supportive bonds with mentors. Through programs such as the Be There Initiative, Boys & Girls Clubs and the New York Life Foundation are making sure that Boys & Girls Clubs have the resources, capacity and attentiveness to support coping skills in youth when they have lost someone important in their lives. Below is some guidance from the Be There curriculum to help all parents, caregivers, teachers and youth development providers talk about grief with young people.

Talking to Kids About Death and Grief

Ever not known what to say to a grieving person? You're not alone.

Though death and bereavement may be uncomfortable topics to discuss, having conversations with grieving kids and teens can help them feel supported. It also shows you're open to talking, allowing young people to ask questions and express themselves.

When initiating a conversation, keep in mind that everyone experiences grief differently and no one way to grieve is more or less valid. It's important to show authentic and honest concern, acknowledge someone has died and that this creates major emotions, and let youth know they can lean on you for support.

Often, we don't know what to say, so we try to minimize someone's grief. However, these well-intentioned phrases can feel like a closed door, instead of letting the person share how they're feeling. Instead, create connection by:

Asking open-ended questions.

Not comparing personal experiences to theirs.

Being in the moment with them right now, from reminiscing on their lost loved one to being vulnerable about current feelings.

Phrases to Talk About Grief:

"I know just what you are going through."

"Can you tell me more about what it's been like for you?"

"I know this is hard, but it's important to remember the good things in life too."

"What kinds of memories do you have about the person who you lost?"

"I lost [someone] too when I was your age."

"Tell me more what this has been like for you."

"You'll need to be strong for your family."

"How is your family doing? What concerns do you have about them?"

"My dog died last week, I know how you feel."

"I know how I've felt losing someone I love, but don't know how you are feeling. Do you want to share?"

"At least they are no longer in pain."

"What have you been thinking about since you lost your loved one?"

Posing questions and encouraging a young person to share allows them the space to grieve in their own way without fear of judgment. Start the conversation with an open-ended question such as "How are you doing?" and be sure to listen and observe attentively.

Most importantly, continue to check in to see how the young person is coping. Grief is a process that happens over time.

10 Ways to Help Grieving Kids

The following approaches and considerations can help you support a grieving kid who has experienced the passing of someone important in their lives.

1. Take care of you.
Before you can assist any kid or teen who is in bereavement, it's critical to make sure you're aware of your own mental, physical and emotional well-being. You may be grieving the same loss and need to address your grief before addressing theirs.

2. Recognize your kid's grief.
Learn and recognize the signs of grief, while knowing that there is no universal response to the death of a loved one. Feeling sad, frustrated, scared and angry - as well as acting out or acting as if nothing happened at all - can all be expressions of grief. If you are not sure how the young person has been impacted, then try to spend some one-on-one time with them so that they'll have the space to share openly.

3. Be honest with your kid.
When discussing death and grief with a young person, be honest, simple and direct in your approach. Tailor your dialogue so that it is age-appropriate, but don't hide or "sugarcoat" the realities of death or the tough feelings they're experiencing (and will continue to experience) as part of the grieving process.

4. Listen.
Allow kids and teens to share about the person who has died and what happened in their own words. Listen and observe without judgment. Answer their questions as best as you can and if you sincerely don't know, then say so.

5. Share.
When things feel out of their control, it can be helpful for kids to know adults often feel that way too. Share instances in your life when you felt anger, sadness or fear. Being candid about how you dealt with these situations can reassure a child that their emotions are normal while helping them accept that things can and will get better in time.

6. Be creative.
Journaling, readingchildren's books on grief and loss, exercising or making a playlist are all types of activities a young person can engage in to express their feelings and move toward healing.

7. Maintain clear expectations.
A young person may use grief as an excuse to act in inappropriate ways. However, it's important adults continue to enforce previously established rules and boundaries, even as you acknowledge a young person's grief.

8. Reassure your kid.
Show and tell the young person that you care about them regularly and often. Grief and loss can often cause a kid or teen to feel a lack of safety and security. Your comforting words and actions can go a long way to reestablish a sense of certainty and confidence.

9. Help your kid create memories to honor their grief.
Mourning traditions and rituals can give kids and teens a tangible way to recognize their feelings while honoring the memory of who they lost. Creating a memory box, designing a commemorative collage or planting seeds in someone's honor are just a few of the types of memories you can help a young person to create to express their grief.

10. Practice patience.
Grief and loss is a process, not an event - and it can change us in many ways. Be sure to extend plenty of grace and compassion. Young people may need increased attention as they mourn and cope with their grief.

Grief is a universal and profound aspect of life that impacts everyone regardless of age. It is essential to recognize that grief takes on various forms and can manifest in myriad ways. To effectively cope and move forward, young people require the time and space to express their grief while building resilience to adapt to life's changes.

By fostering safe spaces and supportive relationships, Boys & Girls Clubs can better support the next generation in their grief journey and ensure they find the strength to carry on.

Learn more about how Boys & Girls Clubs empower today's youth and discover parent resources for supporting kids and teens.

Sources
The New York Life Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of America since 1994. In the last decade, the partnership has supported "Be There: A National Grief and Bereavement Initiative" at Boys & Girls Clubs to recognize and support youth grief. This collaboration also introduced a strength-based social-emotional curriculum, "Ready, Set, Action," with the PEAR Institute, to help Club youth develop the skills needed for resilient peer relationships and coping with adversity, such as the death of a loved one.

¹ Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model, Judi's House/JAG Institute, supported by the New York Life Foundation

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When a Loved One Dies: Helping Kids Cope with Grief

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Grief is a part of life. But helping kids and teens navigate death and loss takes time, trust and patience.