Grief: Trauma and Resilience

Sometimes we feel bad because of things around us.

We may have TRAUMA from

  • Things we see

  • Things we hear

  • Something sad

  • Something we can’t control

There are ways we can feel better. We can learn to be RESILIENT, or bounce back!

Parents: Watch this 2 minute Sesame Street video to see how children experience trauma, and how to respond.

A Child’s Perspective of a Traumatic Experience

“I Love My White Shoes”



Activity:

  1. Listen to the story of Pete the Cat.

  2. Ask yourself the following questions;

What does Pete the Cat do when his shoes get dirty?

What can you do when things do not go as you planned?


Self-Care: Things You Can Do

Grief: Handling Loss

Normal Things Lost


  • The structure of getting up and going to school

  • Seeing teachers and classmates

  • Recess, art, music and PE class

  • Lunch with school friends

  • Sports like soccer, softball, gymnastics, cheer

  • Seeing grandparents, relatives

  • Going to movies and out to eat

  • Playing in the neighborhood

  • Spending time with cousins

  • Church activities

  • Going to the park

  • Looking forward to planned activities

How You Might Feel


  • Be unable to concentrate

  • Feel numb- unable to think, feel, or react normally

  • Question why “this” is happening

  • Lose interest in things that you once enjoyed

  • Worry about what is happening

  • Have trouble talking about your feelings

  • Cry for unknown reasons

  • Feel sick and not know why

  • Want to spend time alone

  • Have a loss of energy

  • Eat more or less

  • Have trouble sleeping


Stay Active and Socially Connected

  • Play outdoors— Take a walk or go on a bike ride

  • Take an indoor break: stretch, play games, watch a movie

  • Call or video chat family and friends

  • Write cards or letters to family members

  • Make virtual videos/dance battles to share

Helpful Things Parents Can Say

  • I can’t imagine how you feel not going to school.

What are you doing now that is helpful?

  • How are you feeling about not seeing your friends?

What can you do now to connect with them?

  • It must be so hard not getting to play soccer right now.

Let’s think of an activity we can do.

Routines

Kids may be feeling scared, overwhelmed, confused or powerless because of all the changes in their normal routines. Their behavior can be the way they show their feelings. Routines are how we can help them feel safe and secure.

Things to Consider


  • Focus on predictability, not rigidity

  • Set limits and be specific about expectations

  • Have realistic daily goals

  • Give some control by allowing choices

  • Focus on your own feelings and self care, get support if needed

  • Remember to connect through play and fun

Add Fun to Routines


  1. As a family write fun activities on slips of paper or popsicle sticks. During non academic time, take turns drawing an activity to do as a family.

Suggestions: make cookies or brownies together, cook your favorite meal, play Checkers, board games or dominoes, take a walk or color


  1. During non academic time, take turns drawing an activity to do as a family.

More ideas: Lebonheur.org


Add Fun to Academics



Fun with Art, Music, and PE


Connectedness

Cooking, completing school work (not overdone), playing games, drawing, and other activities are ways to connect with loved ones. How will you connect with family today?

Connecting with Others

How do you stay in contact with family and friends?


  • Letters

  • Texting

  • Virtual games

  • Facetime

  • Phone Call

  • Email

Can you think of other ways to connect?

Choose 3 people you can connect with today. Have a family member help you call, write or text someone special today!

Family Activity

TableTopic: At dinner bring up a topic and have everyone take turns talking about it. Take turns going first each day.

  • When were you helpful to someone else?

  • Would you go to the moon if you were offered a ride on a spaceship?

  • If you could be a superhero, which special power would you choose?

  • Would you rather be stronger, faster, braver, or smarter?

  • If you could invent something to make life better for people, what would it be?

  • What small act of kindness have you done that no one knows about?

  • What is the best present you ever received?

  • If you were a teacher what rules would you make?

50 Conversation Starters for Young Children

Being Home

Happy Thoughts

  • Write down or have a parent write down things you are grateful for in each bubble below. Ask for help if needed.

  • Talk about your happy thoughts with your family.

Family Activity

  1. Write down what you are grateful for. Think about what is good about this time at home.

  2. Turn the paper into airplanes and fly your gratefulness to family members.

Click here to learn how to make an airplane!