Bill of Rights for Teens Experiencing Grief

Although many people will offer you advice, keep in mind that:

1. You have a right to your own feelings.

2. You have the right to express your grief and be comforted.

3. You have the right to continued loving care, even though it may be difficult sometimes for those who love you to provide that care.

4. You have the right to help plan and participate in the funeral ceremony.

5. You have the right to ask any question concerning a death and expect an honest answer.

6. You have the right to be treated as a concerned individual, not as someone’s “kid”.

7. You have the right to retain your own identity and not be expected to take the place of your dead parent or sibling.

8. You have the right to grieve for as long as it takes.

9. You have the right to grief counseling if you need or want it.

10. You have the right to be a comforter to others who are grieving, and to share your grief with them.

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