How to Support a Grieving Teen While You're Still Grieving

Grief in teens rarely looks the way parents expect. Instead of tears and open conversations, it often shows up as irritability, withdrawal, risk-taking, or emotional distance. That can leave parents wondering whether their teen is grieving at all—or how to help if they are. In this episode, Dr. Cam sits down with grief expert and Master Certified Life Coach Krista St. Germain to unpack what grief really looks like in adolescents and why many common approaches to helping grieving teens can unintentionally make things harder. Together, they explore the latest understanding of grief, the impact loss has on the brain and body, and practical ways parents can support their teens through difficult life transitions and losses. Whether your teen is grieving the death of a loved one, the loss of a friendship, a major life change, or simply the challenges of growing up, this conversation will help you feel more confident supporting them with compassion and understanding.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why grief in teenagers often looks like typical adolescent behavior and how to recognize the hidden signs The Dual Process Model of Grief and why the traditional five stages of grief are outdated What parents should say—and avoid saying—to support a grieving teen How modeling healthy emotional expression helps teens build resilience and emotional intelligence 🎧❤️ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Don't keep it to yourself! Share your favorite episode and leave a rating and review to help other parents find the support they need. Your feedback helps me create even more episodes filled with practical tips for you and your family! Thanks so much for your support! 🙏💫 🔔 Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode! 🙌   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why teens naturally pull away from parents during adolescence — and what it actually means for your relationship How emotional safety and nervous system regulation improve communication with teenagers The parenting shift that helps teens become more independent, responsible, and emotionally resilient Practical ways to build stronger family relationships without control, pressure, or constant conflict   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Dual Process Model of Grief (Stroebe & Schut) Post-Traumatic Growth Research The Widowed Mom Podcast CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Krista St. Germain Website: https://coachingwithkrista.com Podcast: The Widowed Mom Podcast Instagram: @lifecoachkrista YouTube: KristaSt-Germain Facebook: CoachingwithKrista   CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell Website: AskDrCam.com Instagram: @DrCamCaswell TikTok: @the.teen.translator YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Facebook: @DrCamCaswell   EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Understanding Grief in Teens 02:57 Krista's Personal Journey with Grief 05:51 Outdated Beliefs About Grief 08:53 The Dual Process Model of Grief 12:04 Navigating Grief as Parents 15:00 Recognizing Grief in Teenagers 17:53 The Importance of Shared Grief Experiences 18:41 Navigating Emotions as Parents 20:00 Supporting Grieving Children 22:31 Empowering Children Through Grief 24:41 Believing in Resilience 26:49 Trusting the Process of Growth 30:42 Finding Meaning in Hardship     ABOUT THE SHOW The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, this podcast offers practical p