Jenny's Chatroom

Hi Huntingdale,

As a Chaplain it is one of my privileges to walk with different children and adults through notable changes to help them process the various emotions that they may feel in difficult times. The seasons exhibited in our weather patterns are a constant reminder that nothing stays the same and change is ever with us. If you have experienced a sudden loss or significant change in your life you can undergo feelings of grief. Over the next little while, I will be submitting through the Newsletter some information on what grief may look like in Children. Remember if you need to chat I am at the school on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Children and Grief

When a child is grieving it is natural to want to support them. Yet, we often feel very uncertain about how best to do so. Perhaps you feel uncomfortable about discussing loss and grief, worried whether your child’s behaviour is normal, and unsure what you can do to help. This factsheet offers some guidance for adults (parents, carers, relatives, teachers and others) to help you support a child who is grieving and nurture them to grow through the experience.

What is grief?

Grief is the human response to change and loss in our lives, such as the death of someone we love. It is a natural and normal response, which has a physical impact on our bodies as well a effecting our emotions and our thinking. Grief challenges the way we think about ourselves and the world, and influences our spirituality and relationships.

How do children express grief?

Like adults, children express grief in unique and personal ways. This can be influenced by a child’s age and understanding of the loss, but also by other factors such as their character, situation or experience. Some children may openly express their hurt, while others may withdraw. Many children also dip in and out of grief, alternating between grieving and more playful behaviour. It is important to remember that grief is a normal and natural response and that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Some (not an exhaustive list) of the reactions children may experience:

Emotions that children may feel ...

• May be anxious, fearful, fretful and sad

• May be angry, frustrated or disillusioned

•   May try to mask their feelings to ‘save’ or ‘help’ adults around them…….to be continued!

As a community we are here to help you, so please feel free to come in for a chat or if you would like some wholesome company there is a Parents Morning Tea every Monday between 9:00 am and 10:00 in the Gill Penfold Hall.

Yours Sincerely

Jenny Celle