KiddyCharts Launches Free Resources to Support Children Coping with Loss
In response to the growing need for resources to help children navigate the complex emotions associated with loss and grief, KiddyCharts, a leading provider of educational and fun activities for children, is has launched a fabulous set of resources to help. This includes grief worksheets, five top tips for support, and a free eBook to help parents and carers deal with the difficult emotions associated with bereavement and loss.
“Helping children cope with loss is vital,” says Helen Neale, founder of KiddyCharts and a counsellor. “We need to create a safe space for open communication, where children can express their feelings freely, knowing that their feelings are valid.”
The tips includes five key strategies:
1. Open Communication: Encourage children to talk about their loss, reassuring them that their feelings are normal and valid.
2. Assure Stability: Maintain routines to provide a sense of security during unsettling times.
3. Express Emotions Creatively: Use art, music, or writing as therapeutic outlets for children to express their feelings.
4. Encourage Remembrance: Help children remember the person or pet they’ve lost through photos, stories, or keepsakes.
5. Seek Professional Help if Necessary: If a child’s grief seems prolonged or particularly intense, seek help from a mental health professional or a counsellor.
In addition to these strategies, KiddyCharts’ Shelf Care Book Club is giving away a free eBook, “The Hare-Shaped Hole,” This is a touching book that helps children understand and express emotions around loss and grief.
“The Hare-Shaped Hole is a gentle, beautiful story that approaches the subject of loss with sensitivity,” Helen comments. “It’s an excellent resource for parents and educators who are helping children navigate their feelings.”
Helen, who is also a therapist, recommends seeking professional help if needed. “There are some wonderful specialist organisations that can help, such as Winston’s Wish,” she advises. “Don’t hesitate to reach out.”
Through these new initiatives, KiddyCharts aims to provide much-needed support for children dealing with loss, ensuring they have the tools to express feelings, remember loved ones, and navigate their grief in a healthy way.
For more information and to access KiddyCharts’ resources, visit www.kiddycharts.com.