When we’re grieving, we can have all sorts of feelings. Feelings are normal. Remember, there are no right or wrong feelings to have because every one is different. Here are some activities kids say are helpful when somebody special is ill or has died.
Circles of Support ~ Sometimes it helps to be alone and sometimes it can help to be around people. It helps to know who those adults and friends are in your life that you can talk with – is there a teacher, or your mom or dad or a friend’s parent? Is there an older sister or brother? An activity that can help you is to get a blank piece of paper and draw four circles of different sizes to create an image like a dartboard. If you like, you can trace cups, paper plates, a quarter, a soup can, anything round.
In the smallest circle, write your name because it is important for us to take care of ourselves first. In the next circle write the names of your family members. In the third circle, write the names of your best friends. In the last circle write names of teachers, counselors, coaches, friends’ parents, youth group leaders, or any adult who you find helpful.
And maybe you have a special pet! Where does the pet belong? Draw a picture of your pet in one of the circles. Sometimes a pet can be a great person to talk to and hug.
Memory Box ~ Find a shoebox and put some treasures of your loved one inside. You can also write something about your loved one that holds a special memory for you on a piece of paper and place it inside the shoebox.
Lasting Bonds Poster ~ For this you will need a large piece of poster board, markers, crayons or paints and brushes, magazines, scissors and glue. In the middle of the board, draw a picture of your loved one. Around the drawing, paste pictures from magazines that remind you of your loved one. You can draw pictures, too, and write words that describe your loved one and your relationship.
Anagrams ~ For this you will need paper, pencil or pen. Choose a word, name or several words and write them down vertically on a piece of paper. Next to each letter, write words that describe your special person in some way using the first letter of the chosen word.
Anniversary Event ~ For this you will need a calendar and time to plan ahead. Mark down on your calendar a special date that is coming up, like a birthday or holiday or anniversary of the death of your loved one. Think about what you would like to do on that day to remember your loved one. Maybe it would involve going to a special place or having a special meal or an activity that you used to do with your loved one. Talk with your family and plan together what you will do on that day.
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