Grief Care Symposium: Children and Adolescents

Welcome to the Grief Care Symposium: Children and Adolescents! Join us at the Seguin Public Library for a day filled with insightful discussions and valuable resources on supporting young individuals through grief and loss. Tami Logsdon of the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas will lead our conversations and discussions as we explore how young people understand and express grief, offering practical strategies for communication, emotional support, and creating nurturing environments at home, in schools, and throughout the community. Designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and community members, the symposium provides insight, understanding, and hope for those walking alongside grieving children. Sponsored by Emanuel’s Lutheran Church and the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, this free event invites you to come, learn, and grow in your ability to help children heal and thrive. Register now to secure your spot!

Info: • Welcome and introductions
• Symposium objectives and agenda overview
• Ground rules for sensitive discussions
• Acknowledgment of personal grief experiences in the audience

Info: The Landscape of Childhood Bereavement
• Current statistics and prevalence
• Types of losses children experience (death, divorce, pet loss, relocation)
• Common myths vs. realities about children's grief
• Cultural and family influences on grief expression

Info: Developmental Differences in Grief Processing
• Ages 3-5: Concrete thinking, magical thinking, regression
• Ages 6-12: Beginning abstract concepts, school-age concerns
• Ages 13-18: Identity formation, peer relationships, future planning
• How cognitive development affects grief understanding
• Case examples for each age group

Info: Recognizing Grief in Children
• Behavioral indicators across age groups
• Physical symptoms and manifestations
• Academic and social changes
• When typical grief becomes concerning

Info: Part A: Communication Strategies
• Age-appropriate language for discussing death
• Answering difficult questions honestly
• Using books, art, and play as communication tools
• What NOT to say (avoiding harmful platitudes)
• Interactive exercise: Practice conversations

Info: Breakout Sessions by Audience
Choose one track:
• Track 1 - Parents/Caregivers: "Supporting Your Grieving Child at Home"
• Track 2 - Educators: "Classroom Strategies and School Protocols"
• Track 3 - Community Members: "How to Help Without Overstepping"

Info: Creating Supportive Environments
• At Home: Maintaining routines while allowing flexibility
• At School: Classroom accommodations and peer support
• In the Community: Neighbor and friend involvement
• Honoring memories and continuing bonds

Info: Putting It All Together
• Key takeaways for different audience segments
• Red flags requiring professional intervention
• Building resilience in grieving children
• Self-care for adults supporting grieving children
Resources and Next Steps
• Local Seguin-area resources
• Children's Bereavement Center services and contact information
• Recommended books, websites, and tools by age group
• Follow-up opportunities and community connections

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Host or Publisher Emanuel's Lutheran Church