Support for Children
Grief Support for Children
Just like adults, children's grief can range from a minor reaction to feeling their world has shattered. This depends on factors such as their age and their relationship with the person who is ill or had died. In many other ways, however, children's grief can look very different from that of adults. As a result, it can often be overlooked or misunderstood. Grief is not limited to death, grief can be experience by a move, desperation, divorce or any change in familiar pattern of behavior for a child.
At North Perth Community Hospice our staff are certified in the Grief and Bereavement Support of Children. We welcome any opportunity to assist in fostering a healthy environment for you and your child(ren) to feel safe in sharing their feelings about their loss.
"Children tend to have a wonderful ability to balance joy and sorrow at the same time. They can move very quickly between being sad and playing happily. This is normal. It's important to recognize that a child who is playing and having fun can still be grieving deeply. There is no "normal" or "right way" for children to grieve.
Their grief often looks like puddle jumping. When they're in the puddle of grief, it feels huge - then they jump
out and quickly resume playing and other activities."
- Andrea Warnick RN, MA, www.andreawarnick.com
Teach Children about Grief
Grief
is a natural response
Grief
isn't a problem to be solved
The
goal
is not to take away the heartbreak, or "get over" the person
When modeling grief
reassure
kids that you are still able to take care of them
Let kids know
talking
about someone who has died does not inflict sadness
Emphasize:
Kids don't need to "fix " your grief
Sources: "Teach Children about Grief" Andrea Warnick, RN, MA, www.andreawarnick.com
NPCH
Children's Grief Education Program
Is an up to 8 week program for children in grades 1-8 and their parent/caregiver. This program provides a safe environment for children to explore, learn, and express their thoughts about dying, death, and grief. The goal if this program is to help families strengthen their abilities to grieve, mourn, and grow together throughout their challenges.
Children will:
- Learn age-appropriate concepts of illness, dying, and death
- Explore and identify a range of emotions associated with grief
- Discover ways to honor and remember their loved one
- Develop a toolkit of healthy coping mechanisms to manage their grief
- Understand the importance of community where they can seek support
** Parent/Caregiver is required to participate in each session
Registration is required. Please 'click' on the link below to fill out the registration form.
Once your registration form has been submitted our Grief & Bereavement Coordinator will contact you directly.