Posted on October 3rd, 2023.

Helping children cope with grief can be a challenging and sensitive journey. In this blog post, we'll explore six effective ways of helping children with grief. These grief activities for kids and counseling approaches are designed to assist them in navigating the difficult terrain of child grief stages.

5 Ways of Helping Children with Grief

1. Understanding Child Grief Stages

Before diving into specific ways to help children with grief, it's crucial to grasp the various stages of grief they may go through. Just like adults, children experience grief in different stages: 

• Denial
• Anger
• Bargaining
• Depression
• Acceptance

However, children may not express these stages in the same way as adults do. They may exhibit their grief through changes in behavior, emotions, or even physical symptoms. Recognizing these signs is the first step in providing effective support.

2. Encourage Open Communication

One of the most essential ways to help children with grief is by encouraging open communication. Create a safe and non-judgmental space where children feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. Let them know that it's okay to talk about their feelings, even if those feelings are difficult to put into words. Be an active listener, and validate their emotions by saying things like, "I understand that you're sad, and it's okay to feel that way."

3. Foster a Supportive Environment

Children often look to their family and close friends for guidance and support during times of grief. Foster a supportive environment by surrounding them with loved ones who can provide comfort and understanding. Encourage family members to share their own feelings and memories of the person who has passed away. This sense of unity can help children feel less alone in their grief journey.

4. Grief Activities for Kids

Engaging children in grief activities can be a powerful way to help them process their emotions. These activities provide an outlet for their feelings and help them express themselves creatively. Some activities you can try include:

• Art Therapy: Encourage children to draw, paint, or create crafts that represent their feelings. Art can be a powerful medium for expressing emotions that are hard to articulate.
• Journaling: Give children a journal where they can write about their thoughts and experiences. Writing can be therapeutic and help them gain insight into their emotions.
• Memorial Projects: Help children create a memorial project in honor of the person they've lost. This could be a scrapbook, a memory box, or a garden dedicated to their loved one's memory.
• Reading. Consider introducing a special book titled "It's OK to Cry," by Daniel Hamel. This book is a valuable resource that can guide children through the complex emotions associated with grief.

5. Seek Professional Grief Counseling for Kids

While providing emotional support at home is crucial, sometimes children may need professional help to cope with their grief. Grief counseling for kids is a valuable resource that can provide them with the tools to navigate their emotions effectively. Trained therapists can help children understand and process their grief, making it easier for them to move through the stages of mourning.

Conclusion

Helping children with grief is a compassionate and essential endeavor. At Daniel Hamel, we are committed to providing resources and support to assist children in navigating the challenging path of grief. Whether through grief activities for kids, open communication, professional counseling, or creating a supportive environment, there are many ways to help children cope with their feelings of loss.

If you are seeking guidance or additional resources to help a child in your life deal with grief, please reach out to us. We are here to support you and provide the assistance you need. Feel free to contact us at [email protected] with any questions or concerns. Remember, it's okay to cry, and it's okay to seek help when dealing with grief.