Children's Grief and Loss Program

09/20/2020

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04/10/2020

01/18/2020

Check out the latest episode of “Grief Out Loud” which features David Kessler!

David Kessler is a renowned author, speaker, and retreat leader. He co-authored two books, On Grief and Grieving and Life Lessons, with another grief and loss icon, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. As with so many who are drawn to working with grief, David’s professional path started with the personal. At ...

12/13/2019

Peter's Place: Managing the Holidays While Grieving

Remember that the anxiety approaching the holiday or holiday season can sometimes be more difficult to manage than the holiday itself.

Remember that everyone grieves differently.

Know that you have choices. (Referring to choosing whether or not to continue old traditions or try new ones)

Clear, open, and honest communication about feelings, needs, and activities can alleviate confusion and help to manage expectations.

Realize that you may need to have some alone time during the holiday season.

Set small and manageable goals for yourself.

Know that some people may do or say things that are not helpful to your grieving process during the holiday season.

Realize that experiencing happiness/joy does not mean that you are not grieving or that you no longer love or respect your loss.

Remember that holidays are finite.

https://petersplaceonline.org/

12/05/2019

https://blog.thebreastcancersite.greatergood.com/gfl-grief-ball-box/?utm_source=ggn-crosspost&utm_medium=social-fb&utm_content=link&utm_campaign=gfl-grief-ball-box&utm_term=7818104

"So grief is like this: There’s a box with a ball in it. And a pain button."

11/26/2019

Activity ideas for grieving families with children

Incorporating:
Ask family members for ways they would like to incorporate the loved one that has died into the
“season of family.” This could mean including a portrait or belonging to be a part of the decorations,
positioning an empty chair at the table, setting out their favorite coffee mug, or an array of other
meaningful items. Look for ways to honor and remember your loved one as you go through the holiday
season.

Collage book:
Staple blank pages to make a booklet. Have each family member make their own blank booklet.
Create a book with the following:
Cover=Title
Page 1 - What the last holiday spent with the person who died looked like
Page 2 – What I imagine this holiday to look like
Page 3 - Gifts my special person gave me (talents traits, interests)
Page 4 – Future
Find a special time to share your booklets as a family.

Copyright © 2017 by National Alliance for Grieving Children. All rights reserved. You can quote, link to, re-post or translate this article, in its entirety, as long as you credit the NAGC and add a working link back to the NAGC’s website. www.ChildrenGrieve.org

11/19/2019

Tips for the Holiday Season from the National Alliance for Grieving Children

Give Yourself and Your Family Permission to Celebrate
Suppress the urge to ignore the holidays because they seem too painful to endure. It’s important that children are given the opportunity to celebrate the holidays without feeling bad or feeling guilty. After all, they still have a need to “just be a kid,” especially during the holidays.

Memories
Include the memory of your loved one in your celebration. Encourage your children to make something meaningful, such as a holiday card or special gift, specifically for your loved one. Decide as a family where these items should be placed during the holidays. Your children might want to place them under the tree, on the fireplace mantle, or in their room. Some children might want to take these items to the cemetery. There are lots of ways to remember your loved one during the holidays, by cooking their favorite food, listening to their favorite songs, and taking part in their favorite traditions. Some people like to decorate and light candles in remembrance of their loved ones during the holidays as well. Some other ideas are: Memory books, quality time to share stories and photos, or creating a holiday item in their memory.

Copyright © 2017 by National Alliance for Grieving Children. All rights reserved. You can quote, link to, re-post or translate this article, in its entirety, as long as you credit the NAGC and add a working link back to the NAGC’s website. www.ChildrenGrieve.org

11/04/2019

https://childrengrieve.org/awareness/be-an-everyday-hero-campaign-toolkit

November is Children's Grief Awareness Month! Please check out the attached link for tools and resources on how to be a "superhero" for youth in your life that have experienced loss.

10/31/2019