WINGS OF HOPE - A Service for Grieving Children

GRIEVING is a big word!  It describes a whole bunch of feelings YOU might have when someone you love has died. You might feel sad, mad, guilty or numb. You might feel relieved because the person who died is not hurting any more.  You can have all sorts of feelings. You do not have to be a grown-up to grieve. Your feelings are normal.

If you have lost someone you love, REMEMBER:
  • It's okay to talk about and ask questions about the person
who died.
  • It's even okay to laugh when remembering funny things they said or did!
  • What happened to them is not your fault. Find an adult you trust (a parent, grandparent, teacher) and talk to them about your feelings.
  • Be honest about your feelings. Find safe ways to get them out. (There are some ideas about how to do this on the web sites listed below).
  • Stay active with things you enjoy like sports, music, art or dance classes.
  • You don't have to be sad all the time.
  • It's okay to have fun! There is no right or wrong feeling to have because everyone is different.

Here are some web sites with activities pages for kids and teens that may be helpful to you if somebody special is ill or has died:

http://www.dougy.org
http://www.kidsaid.com
http://www.touchstonecenter.org
http://www.safecrossings.org

Note to parents:
We are here to help children who are facing, or have experienced, the loss of a loved one. We are happy to answer any of your questions, discuss your concerns and help you determine what form of support is best for you and your children.