Introduction – Grief
Amita B -
Hi! My name is Amita Bandlora, and I’m a senior at BASIS Phoenix. Losing my father last year completely changed the way I understand grief. I always knew that loss was difficult, but I hadn’t fully grasped how differently people experience it—particularly the differences between children and adults. Grief is not just about sadness; it is complex, unpredictable, and often manifests in ways that are not immediately recognizable. While adults tend to process their emotions through reflection, conversations, and structured support systems like therapy, children often express grief through play, behavioral changes, or even physical symptoms—reactions that are frequently misunderstood or overlooked.
For my senior project, I am exploring the differences in how children and adults experience and process grief. Through interviews with parents and guardians of grieving children, I hope to gain insight into how children express their emotions and how those expressions are interpreted. I will be gathering data at my site placement, Billy’s Place, a grief support center for all ages, where I will observe grief groups to better understand how children navigate loss in supportive environments. Additionally, I aim to learn more about the grieving process and the different types of grief people experience, depending on the cause of their loved one’s passing.
My goal is to bridge the gap between how grief is expressed and how it is supported. By recognizing the unique ways children experience loss, we can develop more effective resources that cater to their specific needs, ultimately fostering healthier coping mechanisms. Grief is a universal experience—one that everyone will face at some point—and understanding these differences is crucial to ensuring that children receive the support they need.
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