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The Dual Process Model of Grief and why the traditional five stages of grief are outdated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
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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
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Krista St. Germain
CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell
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05:51 Outdated Beliefs About Grief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 parenting strategies, expert advice, and real-world insights to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen and support their emotional growth.
Whether you're struggling with teenage behavior, communication challenges, anxiety, motivation, or emotional well-being, each episode provides actionable tips to make parenting teens easier and more rewarding. Perfect for both new and seasoned parents, this podcast helps you build the confidence to handle teen challenges and thrive together.
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