Chicago North Shore Moms wants you and your loved ones to know that if you’re currently struggling with grief over losing a loved one, you and your family are not alone. Grief moves through us like waves in an ocean, some days are harder than others, and just putting one foot in front of the other can seem like an impossible task on your to-do list. Turn to grief resources for help moving through these waves.
The following information was provided via Willow House, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to providing free grief support to children and families who have lost a parent, spouse or sibling. Willow House partners with the National Alliance of Children’s Grief to spread awareness about the importance grief resources. Willow House is based in Bannockburn, Illinois and offers grief support groups and resources to Chicagoland families, schools and communities. Call (847) 236-9300 to inquire about support today.
- 6.3 million, or 1 in 12 children, will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18,according to the 2024 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model National Report. By age 25, that number more than doubles to approximately 15.2 million bereaved youths.
- In 2022, nearly 1,100 children were newly bereaved every day in the United States.
- Long overlooked, childhood bereavement continues to grow in importance as a national priority. Understanding the magnitude of childhood bereavement is key to driving necessary action that ensures adequate resources are available to those needing care.
- Childhood grief profoundly impacts bereaved youth, families, and communities. The death of an important person in a child’s life is one of the most frequently reported adverse childhood experiences. Unaddressed childhood grief and trauma can lead to short-and long-term difficulties, including poor academic performance, mental health issues, and early mortality.
Drawing directly from the feedback of young people who are grieving, the campaign encourages individuals, communities, and professionals to shift away from hurtful and dismissive words often said to young people who are grieving.
They highlighted the painful impact of common phrases like “it’ll be fine” or “that sucks,” which can isolate and invalidate what is, for many, a deeply personal experience. Instead, the young people are asking for real, tangible support, replacing these words with actions that genuinely make a difference, such as simply sitting and listening while pressing pause on the advice and understanding that everyone’s grief experience is unique. They are asking us to:
- Be present.
- Listen actively.
- Actions speak louder than words.
- Press pause on advice.
- Get moving-grief is physical, not just emotional.
- Cultivate a supportive environment for sharing.
- Empower young people’s voices.
- Recognize the uniqueness of each person’s grief.
