Be it right or wrong, but most times when we think in terms of bereavement, we think of adults that grieve the passing of a loved one.We offer our condolences, help them through their grief, and offer a support system.But what happens when a child experiences loss? When a child loses a beloved pet, a parent, or a grandparent, the grieving process is just as critical for them as it is for an adult who has suffered a loss.Adults are role models for children and in the event of the death of a family member or close friend, how the surviving adult processes grief can have a direct effect on the child.For example, if the adult doesn't express feelings of grief, children may hide their feelings as well and not share their feelings of loss.Children may develop fears of abandonment, become angry and destructive, become afraid, or even withdraw from playmates or family members after they experience the death of a loved one.Children and adolescents all too often do not know how to process grieving and need the guidance and care of adults to help ease them through the grieving process.As role models, adults must provide a safe environment to let children express thoughts and feelings to begin healing.To help a child express and share the feelings of loss, give them a Sympathy Keepsake Box.They can store photos and cherished treasures of the loved one and keep them close at hand.Give the child a spot in the garden or yard to place a memorial Stepping Stone in remembrance of a loved one.A stepping stone is also a nice touch to memorialize a child's beloved pet as they will always have a place in the garden.According to the American Hospice Foundation, another way to help children through the grieving process is to encourage them to draw or write their feelings in a memory book.A memory book could be as simple as putting together drawing paper or a scrapbook.You can encourage the child to express their feelings about the death of a loved by. Drawing the funeral.Writing a letter to the loved one.Drawing or listing worries the child is now experiencing from the death.Drawing what the child enjoyed doing most with the loved one.These tips and ideas will help a child experience grief in a healthy way.They can share feelings and express thoughts to move beyond feelings of fear or abandonment.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Sympathy Gift Ideas for a Child
Be it right or wrong, but most times when we think in terms of bereavement, we think of adults that grieve the passing of a loved one.We offer our condolences, help them through their grief, and offer a support system.But what happens when a child experiences loss? When a child loses a beloved pet, a parent, or a grandparent, the grieving process is just as critical for them as it is for an adult who has suffered a loss.Adults are role models for children and in the event of the death of a family member or close friend, how the surviving adult processes grief can have a direct effect on the child.For example, if the adult doesn't express feelings of grief, children may hide their feelings as well and not share their feelings of loss.Children may develop fears of abandonment, become angry and destructive, become afraid, or even withdraw from playmates or family members after they experience the death of a loved one.Children and adolescents all too often do not know how to process grieving and need the guidance and care of adults to help ease them through the grieving process.As role models, adults must provide a safe environment to let children express thoughts and feelings to begin healing.To help a child express and share the feelings of loss, give them a Sympathy Keepsake Box.They can store photos and cherished treasures of the loved one and keep them close at hand.Give the child a spot in the garden or yard to place a memorial Stepping Stone in remembrance of a loved one.A stepping stone is also a nice touch to memorialize a child's beloved pet as they will always have a place in the garden.According to the American Hospice Foundation, another way to help children through the grieving process is to encourage them to draw or write their feelings in a memory book.A memory book could be as simple as putting together drawing paper or a scrapbook.You can encourage the child to express their feelings about the death of a loved by. Drawing the funeral.Writing a letter to the loved one.Drawing or listing worries the child is now experiencing from the death.Drawing what the child enjoyed doing most with the loved one.These tips and ideas will help a child experience grief in a healthy way.They can share feelings and express thoughts to move beyond feelings of fear or abandonment.
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