The Things You Can Use to Help Grieving Children
Description
In this episode, hosts Odette Mould and Sophia Giblin review the topic of resources and signposting.
We’re usually never proactive about death and dying, so when we lose a loved one, it’s usually unanticipated and we’re not prepared to deal with it. The first things we usually think about are: What do I do? How do I make sure we’re all going to be okay?
Resources and signposting are simple, but very effective and helpful tools that answer these questions. Some of these resources include memory boxes, which act as a tool for a child to hold special trinkets, mementos, photos, and anything relating to a loved one. It’s really lovely if the whole family has one to honour their dearly departed, Odette believes, but it’s important that a child has their own box.
Parents can also use books to gently explain death to their children. Books play a significant role in a child’s understanding of the world around them, and have an impact on the way they view things. One of Odette’s recommendations is Water Bugs and Dragonflies, a book for young children which delicately describes death, using metaphor.
Key Takeaways:
- The death of a loved one can leave you feeling like you’re grasping at straws, but there are resources you can use to help yourself and those around you.
- Memory boxes are tools that hold special trinkets, mementos, photos, and anything relating to a loved one for children.
- Parents can use books to gently explain death to their children.
Resources
- Harry’s Rainbow
- Odette Mould on LinkedIn
- Sophia Giblin on LinkedIn
- Donate to Harry's Rainbow
- Resources on Harry's Rainbow website
Books and Apps
United States
