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
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