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:
Listen to the story of Pete the Cat.
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
Laugh: 100 Kids Tell Jokes
Listen to others: 120+ Conversation Starters for Kids
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.
Local Grief Resources
Journey of Hope - (972) 964-1600 (free groups for all ages)
Grief Works - (972) 960-9981 free (group counseling for kids)
Grief & Loss Center of North Texas - (214) 452-3105 (all ages)
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
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
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?
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
Write down what you are grateful for. Think about what is good about this time at home.
Turn the paper into airplanes and fly your gratefulness to family members.