What is bereavement? How do people in general deal with it?

Bereavement is a natural and universal human experience. It is the profound sense of loss and grief that follows the death of a loved one. While adults may have developed coping mechanisms to deal with bereavement, children and adolescents often struggle to understand and process their emotions. It is crucial for caregivers and educators to provide the necessary support and tools to help them navigate through their grief in a healthy way.

One way to help children deal with bereavement is through creative expression. Engaging in creative activities allows children to explore their emotions and thoughts in a non-threatening and non-verbal way. Art therapy, for example, can provide a safe space for children to express their feelings through painting, drawing, or sculpting. Through the use of colours, lines, and shapes, children can visually represent their emotions and create something tangible that reflects their inner world.

Other ways to support children in their bereavement journey are encouraging sharing stories, keeping a journal, or creating memories in photo albums or collages. Sharing stories about the deceased loved one can help children remember and honour the person they have lost. This can be done through storytelling sessions, where children can take turns sharing memories, anecdotes, or even imaginary adventures involving their loved ones. The children can keep the memory of their loved ones alive and find comfort in the shared experiences and connections they have.

Lesson Summary

Bereavement is a natural and universal human experience characterized by a profound sense of loss and grief following the death of a loved one. While adults often have coping mechanisms in place, children and adolescents may struggle to understand and process their emotions in the face of bereavement.

• It is vital for caregivers and educators to offer support and tools to assist children in navigating their grief in a healthy manner.
• One effective method to help children cope with bereavement is through creative expression, such as art therapy.
• Engaging in creative activities like painting, drawing, or sculpting can provide a non-verbal outlet for children to explore and express their emotions.
• Encouraging children to share stories, maintain journals, or create memories through photo albums or collages can also aid in the bereavement process.
• Sharing stories of the deceased loved one helps children remember and honor them, fostering a sense of connection and preserving memories.