Things for Adults to Do with Grieving Kids

Play

Talk about what happened using a doll house, puppets, stuffed animals, phone. Run, jump, play on big equipment to get stored up energy out.

Art

drawing
painting
clay
take pictures

Music

write songs
play songs
listen to music

Storytelling/Reading

reading stories about the person who died
telling stories to each other about the person who died
reading stories/books together
create your own life story

Writing

letter to the person who died
write a letter from the person who died to you
make a wish list
write in a feelings journal
write poems about feelings or memories

Creative Expression

let go a balloon with a note in it (Be sure to be environmentally friendly, and use biodegradable balloons.)
create a scrapbook of favorite memories
make something to leave at the grave side
work on a memories quilt together
start a memory box

When the child shows you something they have made or done, encourage them to tell you more about it. For example, "I see you drew a picture. Tell me more about it. What does this mean to you?"

Allow the child to be your teacher. Having a dialogue with the child about their expressions of grief allows healing to occur.

Adapted from Langley Hospice Society's Children's Program Reference: griefworksbc.com