5 Therapeutic Activities for Children Coping with Grief

• February 8, 2024
• - In category: Grief and Loss

Grief in children can be confusing and scary, showing up as anger, sadness, or withdrawal. Unlike adults, children might not have the words to express their feelings. Therapeutic activities can help them express and process these complex emotions. Here are five activities that can help children navigate their grief journey.

Art Therapy: Expressing Emotions through Creativity

Art offers a powerful way for children to express their feelings. Drawing, painting, or sculpting can help them show what they can’t put into words. Encourage them to use colours and shapes to represent their emotions or to create a memory of the person they’ve lost. This activity helps express grief and provides a tangible memory they can revisit.

Activity: Set up a comfortable space with various art supplies. Let the child choose their medium and guide them to express their feelings or memories through their artwork.

Storytelling and Memory Sharing: Keeping Memories Alive

Storytelling is a gentle way for children to remember and share memories of their loved one. It can be a written story, a spoken narrative, or a digital presentation with photos and videos. This helps preserve the memory of the deceased and can be a source of comfort.

Activity: Create a ‘memory book’ or a digital slideshow with the child, encouraging them to include stories, photos, and things they remember about their loved one.

Garden Planting: Growth and Remembrance

Gardening can be therapeutic, symbolising growth and the continuation of life. Planting a tree or flower in memory of the lost loved one can provide a sense of connection and a physical place for the child to visit when they miss them.

Activity: Choose a plant or a tree together with the child and find a special place to plant it. This can be accompanied by a small ceremony where the child can express their feelings or share a memory.

Music and Movement: Expressing Feelings Nonverbally

Music and movement can be powerful tools for emotional release. Dancing, listening to music, or playing musical instruments allow children to express their grief in a non-verbal yet impactful way.

Activity: Create a ‘feelings playlist’ with the child, choosing songs that resonate with their emotions. Encourage them to move or dance to the music in a way that expresses how they feel.

Guided Relaxation and Meditation: Finding Calm and Comfort

Guided relaxation techniques and child-friendly meditations can help manage the anxiety and stress associated with grief. These practices can provide a sense of calm and a safe space for children to process their emotions.

Activity: Introduce the child to simple guided relaxation or breathing exercises. This can be done through child-friendly meditation apps or audio recordings.

Navigating Childhood Grief:

Children need to know it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused about their loss. These activities are designed not to erase the pain of grief but to provide a healthy outlet for it. It’s important for adults to participate and support the child through these activities, offering a sense of security and understanding. Grief in children can be complex, and sometimes professional help may be necessary. Monitor the child’s behaviour and seek the assistance of a child psychologist or counsellor if needed.

About Wellbeing.ie:

At Wellbeing.ie, we understand the importance of supporting children through their unique challenges, including the difficult journey of grief. Our platform offers resources, expert advice, and supportive tools tailored to help children cope with loss in a healthy and constructive way. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, visit Wellbeing.ie for more guidance and support in aiding the emotional well-being of the children in your care.