Navigating Grief: Resources for Our Community in Times of Loss
It is with heavy hearts that we address the passing of a beloved student in our community. In these moments of profound sadness and loss, it's essential to come together and support one another, especially our children who may be grappling with grief and confusion. To assist our families during this difficult time, we have compiled a list of resources, including guidance from the Dougy Center and recommended books for preschoolers and children up to age 8, to help navigate these complex emotions.
Understanding Grief in Young Children
Grief in young children can manifest differently than in adults. They may not fully comprehend the permanence of death and might express their feelings through behavior changes, play, or questions. It's important to offer honest, age-appropriate information and plenty of emotional support. Here is the NAEYC article Helping Young Children Grieve and Understand Death that we shared via Brightwheel that you may find helpful.
Resources from The Dougy Center
The Dougy Center, The National Center for Grieving Children & Families, offers invaluable resources:
Website Resources: Their website (dougy.org) provides articles, activities, and advice on how to talk to children about death and help them cope with grief.
Grief Out Loud Podcast: Can They Even Understand? - Preschoolers & Grief on Spotify or on the web (https://www.dougy.org/news-media/podcasts/can-they-even-understand-preschoolers-grief)
Support Groups: They offer support groups specifically designed for children, teens, young adults, and their families.
Tip Sheets and Guides: The Dougy Center provides free downloadable resources that offer practical, age-appropriate advice for grieving families.
Recommended Books on Death and Grief
For preschoolers and children up to age 8, books can be a gentle way to explain death and help them express their feelings.
"The Invisible String" by Patrice Karst: This book provides a comforting way to discuss the connection we share with loved ones who are no longer with us.
"I Miss You: A First Look at Death" by Pat Thomas: This book explains death in a clear and simple way, perfect for young children.
"When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death" by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown: This book doesn’t shy away from the tough questions and presents information in an understanding and accessible way.
"The Goodbye Book" by Todd Parr: Told through the perspective of a fish who has lost his companion, this book explores the feelings of saying goodbye.
"The Memory Box: A Book About Grief" by Joanna Rowland: This book is a heartfelt exploration of grief and memory, encouraging children to create their own memory box.
"Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children" by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen: It introduces the concept of life and death in a gentle way, using nature as examples.
Free Resources for Download: https://bereavement.newyorklifestore.com/index.php/store/category/44/0/0
Tips for Supporting Grieving Children
Be Open and Honest: Provide clear, age-appropriate information about death.
Listen and Validate Feelings: Allow children to express their grief in their own way and validate their feelings.
Maintain Routine: Keeping a regular routine can provide a sense of stability and security.
Seek Professional Help if Needed: Don't hesitate to reach out to a child psychologist or counselor for additional support.
PDF Resources
In times of loss, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Our community at Common Ground is here to support you and your family. We encourage you to use these resources and to lean on each other for support.
For further assistance or to talk about additional support services, please contact us. Our doors and hearts are open to you during this challenging time.