Kidzcope

How will summer vacation be different? Will we still celebrate their birthday? Will we have to move? Who will help me with my homework?

Children have many questions after the death of a loved one. Not all questions have easy answers, and it’s ok to say, “I don’t know.” Most important is to allow the child to share their thoughts and feelings.

Creating a memorial garden is a heartfelt way to honor and celebrate the life of a loved one. It becomes even more meaningful when everyone pitches in to create and plan it together. Here are some ideas on what you might include.

Even after someone we love dies, it’s not unusual for us to present a smile to the world while hiding our real feelings. Remember, letting your true emotions show and sharing your journey is okay. You're not alone.

July is Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. To all the parents carrying love and loss, we're thinking of you now and always. Being present for a friend can be a powerful gift. Let them know you are there for them.

Journaling is a helpful way for both adults and children to navigate their emotions during grief. Simple prompts can be a gentle nudge by helping both begin to express their thoughts and feelings.

This summer, consider packing a picnic lunch in memory of your loved one. Gathering family and friends, eating your favorite foods, and sharing special memories is a wonderful way to honor and remember your loved one who has died.

Happy Fourth of July! As we celebrate our nation's independence today, we send love to everyone who misses a special someone. We hope you find a meaningful way to remember them and the moments you shared.

Today is National Bereaved Parents Day. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness for all parents who have lost a baby or child of any age under any circumstances. This year’s theme is Love Lives On. We hope you know you are not alone, and your child will never be forgotten.

This month, we honor the strength and resilience of parents who have experienced the death of a child. Let them know you're thinking of them.

Summer days are filled with bright skies and cheerful vibes, but it can be tough to embrace the sunshine when you're dealing with the death of a loved one. If you're navigating your first summer without them, remember it's okay to feel out of sync with the season's joy. Here are a few tips to help you through.

When your child feels big emotions, try using some of these statements to encourage communication. Helping them identify what they are feeling and letting them know it’s ok to have those feelings opens the door to discussion and healing.

This activity, named "Memory Frame," centers on cherishing the memories of a dead loved one. Children decorate the frame with items that remind them of their loved ones. As they decorate, they can talk about memorable moments shared with that person.

What stands out from a memorable birthday celebration? Or perhaps, a particularly joyful activity they enjoyed together?

Self-care is important. The more you take care of yourself, the better you can take care of others. What are you doing?

My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss is more than just a book with beautiful pictures. It’s a meaningful way for parents to discuss emotions and moods with their children. By exploring the different colors and where they are felt in the body, children can learn to identify and express their feelings meaningfully.

It's normal to miss your dad on Father’s Day. Do what feels right for you, whether that's a lot or a little. It's important to give yourself space to grieve or honor Dad in your own way. If you would like to do a remembrance activity, here’s an idea.

Kidzcope offers peer-based grief support groups for children, teens, and their caregivers who have experienced the death of someone close to them at no cost to the family. We rely on the generosity of our donors to continue our mission of providing grief support to children and their families through evening programs and grief camps. Thank you for your generous assistance.

Beautifully Broken.

This activity helps children talk about the parts of themselves that feel broken after the death of a loved one. Using a broken flowerpot to symbolize the death of someone dear, they write their thoughts and feelings on the shattered pieces. Then, they glue the fragments back together. It helps them understand that despite the “brokenness” they may feel, they can still work despite all the changes.

Exploring emotions through art! When a loved one dies, children experience so many changes. This drawing shows one of our Kidzcope children's emotions before and after the death of their loved one. Expressing themselves through art is often the first step in helping our participants talk about their feelings.

Having big feelings when dealing with a loved one’s death is normal. Sometimes, those emotions can feel overwhelming. So, understanding your coping skills and finding what works for you is helpful. It doesn't have to be complicated. Even something as simple as popping bubble wrap can be beneficial. Take care of yourself.

We all have moments when we could use a little extra support, especially during times of grief. That's why having people we can lean on for a chat or a shoulder to cry on is so important. Whether they're family or friends, knowing we have someone there to help us through tough times can make all the difference.

Grief often comes with feelings of remorse or regret. It’s normal to feel that way and wish we could undo things we said or did. Sometimes, sharing these regrets with others who have experienced the death of a loved one can be helpful because it shows us that we're not alone in experiencing these uncomfortable emotions.

Today, we remember and honor all those who served. Our hearts are with those grieving this Memorial Day.

Figuring out who and what makes up your support system is important, especially when you're grieving. It's not just about the people you talk to; it's also about the places where you feel safe, the things that make you smile, and the activities that lift your spirits. So, take some time to think about them. They are there to help you when you need it most.

When you are sad and need to take a moment, try taking deep breaths. Blowing bubbles can be a fun and calming activity, giving you a moment to relax and just breathe.

Sending love to everyone whose heart may feel heavy this Mother's Day. Wishing you moments of comfort and warmth today.

Observing Mother's Day after the death of a mother can be difficult. Each child may navigate this day differently, with some wishing to honor their mother's memory, while others may prefer to ignore the day. There's no right or wrong way. Here are some suggestions for those who wish to remember their mother on Sunday.

Today is Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, a great moment to talk with your child about their emotions, especially when they're coping with the death of a loved one. Children may not have the words to express their emotions. Coloring a picture or making a memory box can help them share their feelings and experiences.

Memory boxes are a way for children to talk about and stay connected with their loved one who has died. They can fill the box with items that remind them of that person. It's also a wonderful way for them to share their memories.