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Grief in Children: A Silent Struggle with a Lasting Impact.

Grief affects children deeply, though it often goes unrecognized. Whether they have lost a parent, sibling, grandparent, or even a pet, the emotional toll can be significant — and lasting.

Studies show that 1 in 14 children in the U.S. will lose a parent or sibling by age 18. These children are at higher risk for anxiety, depression, academic struggles, and social withdrawal. Without proper support, grief can impact development and mental health well into adulthood.

Grief in children often looks different than in adults — it can show up as anger, trouble concentrating, acting out, or even physical complaints like stomachaches. That’s why it’s vital for educators, caregivers, and counselors to create safe, understanding environments where kids can express their feelings. Early support and open communication can make a powerful difference. Helping children name their emotions, maintain routines, and feel connected can foster resilience and healing. Grief is not something children “get over” — but with the right support, they can grow through it.

The Impact of Death on Children’s Mental Health.

When a child experiences the death of someone close, it can have a lasting effect on their mental health. Whether it is a parent, sibling, friend, or grandparent, loss can shake a child’s sense of safety and stability.

Research shows that children who experience a significant loss are at greater risk for depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, and difficulty in school. In some cases, especially without support, grief can develop into childhood traumatic grief, where the death is tied to ongoing distress and fear.

Children often don’t grieve in the same way adults do. Their emotions may come in waves, and they may struggle to understand or express what they’re feeling. This can lead to withdrawal, aggression, regression in behavior, or even physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches.

Providing a safe space, consistent routines, and honest, age-appropriate conversations about death helps children process their emotions. Support from caring adults — whether parents, teachers, or counselors — is key in helping them heal.

Mental health matters — and acknowledging grief is the first step toward helping a child
recover and thrive.

A Message from Gina & Niki:

My Journey, Grief and Trauma workbooks are tools that can be used in the school setting, community setting, and on an individual basis.

The sensitive topics that are covered are meant to help youth and people in general navigate through their journey to healing from death and trauma.

We have purposefully designed them to be culturally adaptable, so individuals can process their personal journey in line with their belief system.

Every group that is held, every training that is provided brings out stories from youth, facilitators, and families that reflect the lifetime journey we go on when we experience death at any age.

  • Regina Siez

    Regina Siez (LCSW) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. After spending several years working with children in foster care in the mental health field, Regina Siez began her work 10 years work with bereavement for children, individuals, and families through Hospice. This work led to the co-authoring of My Journey, workbooks for children and adults to aid in processing and healing from grief and trauma. Training has been provided to School Districts, Native American Youth Organizations and Communities Based Organizations. Following the Maui fires, Regina was invited to present across three islands to more than 500 adults working with youth and responding to the devastation that occurred.

    She continues this work currently as a school social worker for the Temecula Valley Unified School District. She has taught as an adjunct lecturer for USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work and served as the field instructor for MSW students placed in the TVUSD.

    Regina graduated from California State University Long Beach with a BA in Social Work and went on to obtain a MA in Social Work and the Pupil Personnel Services Credential from the University of Southern California. Gina also has a MA Ed with a teaching credential from the University of Phoenix.

  • Niki Vandenburgh

    Niki (MA Education, MA Business & Business Analytics) began her teaching career on the Soboba Indian Reservation in San Jacinto, CA in 2003. This position led her work to the La Jolla Indian Reservation where she was the Director of Education for the Tribe. During this time, she was aware of the high numbers of children in the program who had experienced the death of their primary caretaker. The numbers were over 30% for the small program. At this time she was introduced to Regina Siez for the work she does with grief. The impact that was seen on the children and their families was significant and life changing and resulted in co-authoring with Regina, the My Journey workbooks for youth and adults.

    Niki has spent 20+ years working with Tribal governments and communities in various capacities. Currently she is focused on the built environment and using sustainable building materials to create healthy living areas. She graduated from Indiana University, Kelley School of Business in 2025 with a Masters in Business and a major in Data Analytics. This follows her MA in Ed and teaching credential earned in 2003. Niki continues to support the Tribal communities and youth initiatives through a non-profit she co-created, Dream The Impossible Native Youth Foundation.