Unpacking the Weight of Grief: Why Schools Need to Teach Kids About Loss

Grief is a natural response to loss, yet it remains one of the hardest topics to discuss—especially with children. While schools teach academic subjects and emotional intelligence, conversations around grief are often overlooked. Many children face their first experience with loss unprepared, leading to confusion, emotional struggles, and long-term challenges.

At Center for the Heart, a nonprofit that provides compassionate grief support, founder Holly Strelzik emphasizes the importance of teaching children how to cope with loss early on. "Children experience loss in many forms—not just death but also through things like moving, divorce, or the loss of a beloved pet," Holly explains. "Without the right tools, these emotions are often buried, which can lead to more serious issues later in life."

Grief as a "Backpack"
Holly uses the metaphor of a backpack to describe how children carry grief: “When a child experiences loss, a small stone is added to their emotional backpack. Without addressing these early losses, more stones accumulate over time, making it harder for children to carry the weight of their grief.”

Teaching children to unpack their backpacks by acknowledging and talking about their losses is essential. Schools can help by integrating grief education into the curriculum, even at a young age. Simple lessons on life cycles and emotional resilience can give children the understanding and tools they need to cope with future losses.

Consequences of Avoiding Grief
When grief is left unaddressed, it can manifest in harmful ways. Children may become withdrawn, anxious, or act out in frustration. Studies show that those who do not have access to grief education or support are at a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and academic decline.

Incorporating end-of-life and grief education into schools not only supports individual students but creates a culture of understanding and empathy, allowing peers to support one another in difficult times.

Creating a Safe Space for Grief in Schools
At Center for the Heart, we collaborate with schools to ensure students have a safe space to express their grief. Whether through workshops, classroom discussions, or individual support, we help schools give children the tools to talk openly about their feelings and cope with loss in healthy ways.

By acknowledging grief early and often, schools can foster emotional resilience and help prevent emotional burdens from weighing children down as they grow.

Are you interested in bringing our program to your school? Fill out this form.