Putting our own oxygen mask on first before helping others.

When it comes to helping children deal with bereavement, it is essential to remember the old saying, "Help yourself before helping others." It is crucial for you as a caregiver or teacher to be in a good emotional and mental place before you can effectively support children through their grief. This means taking care of yourself and practising self-care. Self-care can take many forms, and it is different for everyone. It can be as simple as taking breaks when you need them, seeking support from friends and family, or engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Practising self-care is essential because it allows you to recharge, making you better equipped to help children navigate the challenging emotions of grief. Just like oxygen masks on aeroplanes, you need to put your mask on first before assisting others. If you are emotionally drained or overwhelmed, it becomes more challenging to support children effectively.

One way to practice self-care is to find healthy outlets for your emotions. Grief can bring up a wide range of emotions, from sadness and anger to guilt and confusion. Make sure you have a support system in place that you can rely on, whether it's friends, family, or a therapist. Talking about your feelings and experiences can be cathartic and help you process your grief. Engaging in activities you enjoy, such as exercising, reading, or practising mindfulness, can also provide a sense of relief and help you stay grounded.

Bereavement is a process that takes time. It is important to understand that each child processes grief differently and at their own pace. Just as with any learning process, it is crucial to allow the child to find their own bearings before overwhelming them with activities and interventions. Imagine someone drowning in deep water - it is not the time to start teaching them to swim. The same applies to a grieving child. They need time to process their emotions and come to terms with their loss before diving into activities meant to help them cope. Pushing them too soon may have the opposite effect and hinder their healing.

When a child experiences bereavement, they often go through a range of emotions, such as sadness, anger, confusion, and even guilt. It is important to create a safe and nurturing environment where the child feels comfortable expressing their feelings. This can be done through open communication, active listening, and validation of their emotions. By allowing them to express themselves, you are giving them permission to grieve and helping them develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Once the child has had time to process their emotions and begins to show signs of readiness, incorporating creative activities can be beneficial in their healing journey. Creative outlets, such as art, music, or writing, can provide a therapeutic and expressive space for the child. For instance, inviting the child to draw a picture or write a letter to the person they have lost can help them externalize their feelings and find solace in the process. Engaging in these activities together, either individually or in a group setting, can also foster a sense of community and support.

Throughout this course, we have explored the topic of helping children creatively deal with bereavement. I hope that you have found this course informative and that it has provided you with valuable insights into how children process their grief. In this final lesson, we will recap some of the key points we have covered and discuss practical activities that can be implemented to support children in their journey of grief.

It is important to understand that children grieve differently from adults. They may not have the same level of understanding or emotional vocabulary to express their grief. As a result, their grief often manifests through behaviours. By engaging children in creative activities, we provide them with a safe outlet for expressing their thoughts and emotions.

Numerous creative activities can aid children in their grieving process. We only saw a few. For example, art therapy and play therapy can be incredibly beneficial. Encouraging children to engage in creative activities helps them to express their emotions and experiences. This can be particularly helpful for children and adolescents who struggle to articulate their feelings verbally.