Child clinging to Mom's leg

Helping Kids Through the Grief of High-Conflict Parenting

September 22, 20251 min read

Helping Kids Through the Grief of High-Conflict Parenting

Even without death, kids in high-conflict homes grieve the loss of stability, safety, and family harmony. Here’s how to help them feel secure.

  • For: Parents navigating divorce, separation, or conflict

  • What you’ll learn: Why conflict feels like grief for kids + strategies to support them

  • Read time: 3 minutes


Intro

When parents are caught in conflict, kids often feel like they’re living in the middle of a storm. Even without a physical death, children can grieve the loss of stability, safety, and the family they once knew.

That’s the focus of my latest guest article for The Trauma Healing Parent. In it, I explore the unique ways conflict impacts kids’ emotions—and share strategies you can use right now to bring them more calm and connection.

👉 Read the full article here


What You’ll Learn in the Article

  • Why children in conflict often show signs of grief

  • How instability affects their emotions and behavior

  • Practical ways to create safety and connection at home


Why It Matters

Kids deserve more than to be caught in the middle of adult battles. With the right tools, parents and caregivers can guide them toward resilience and healthier relationships.


Try This Now

Want to understand how your child processes grief in the midst of conflict?

👉 Take the free Grief Storm Quiz to discover their storm type and unlock strategies tailored to their needs.


Related Resources

  • What Is a Grief Storm?

  • Grief Is Like a Gel Water Bead


About Dr. Annette

I’m Dr. Annette Athy, PhD—grief specialist and mom of four. I help parents navigate children’s grief with compassion, truth, and practical tools. Want weekly support? Subscribe here.

Dr. Annette Athy, a grief specialist with over 20 years of experience, offers online grief coaching to parents and runs the Growing Up with Grief Facebook group. She provides resources to combat grief illiteracy for schools and agencies. Dr. Athy developed the Grief Storm Quiz to help parents identify their child's grief type and support their unique needs. Her approach empowers parents and helps children grow into confident, emotionally intelligent adults. Combining formal education with real-world parenting experience, Dr. Athy delivers impactful support for families navigating grief.

Dr. Annette Athy

Dr. Annette Athy, a grief specialist with over 20 years of experience, offers online grief coaching to parents and runs the Growing Up with Grief Facebook group. She provides resources to combat grief illiteracy for schools and agencies. Dr. Athy developed the Grief Storm Quiz to help parents identify their child's grief type and support their unique needs. Her approach empowers parents and helps children grow into confident, emotionally intelligent adults. Combining formal education with real-world parenting experience, Dr. Athy delivers impactful support for families navigating grief.

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