Northampton prevention Coalition
Northampton prevention Coalition
Children and Grief
Children and Grief
Children and Grief
Thursday 25th April 2019
Shelly Lenn discusses supporting grieving children through play and art therapy in this episode of 'NPC in the 413'.
29 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Supportive
Hopeful
Encouraging
About this podcast
Author:
Northampton prevention Coalition
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Parenting & Children
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Sobriety Toolkit
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
29 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!Helping Kids Heal: Shelly Lenn on Grief and Support
Kids need to process what's going on around them, and so they're trying to wrap their head around it, but they're doing it in playful, kid-friendly, developmentally appropriate ways.
When grief strikes, it doesn't just affect adults; children and teens feel the weight too. In this heartfelt episode of 'NPC in the 413', Shelly Lenn, Bereavement Coordinator for Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice and The Garden: A Center for Grieving Children and Teens, shares her wisdom on helping young ones navigate their sorrow.
Shelly’s journey with The Garden began in 2002 as a volunteer facilitator, and she’s now the Director, bringing a wealth of experience and compassion to her role. Grief is often an uncomfortable topic, especially when it involves kids. But Shelly breaks down these barriers, offering practical advice on how to support grieving children and teens. The Garden provides a safe space where kids aged 4 to 18 can process their feelings through play and art therapy.
These sessions are designed to help them express emotions they might not have the words for, making grief a little less overwhelming. Shelly emphasizes the power of play in healing. Children use play to make sense of their world, and it’s no different when they’re dealing with loss. Through activities like drawing and games, they can express their grief in a non-threatening way. This approach helps them develop coping skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Supporting grieving children can be tough on the caregivers too. Shelly shares tips on self-care for those who support these young individuals. Having a strong support system, taking breaks, and knowing your limits are crucial. It's okay to seek help when you need it. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to understand and support grieving children and teens better. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or community member, Shelly’s advice is invaluable.
Tune in to 'NPC in the 413' and learn how you can make a difference in a young person's life during their toughest times.