Craft Projects for KIDS: Play With Your Food
SAYING GOODBYE TO A SPECIAL PET-SIDEKICK ...
…can be traumatic for kids.
One way to help kids process the upset and trauma is through creative projects that might include:
telling stories about their pet
creating something that helps them remember happy times with their pet
Important to Remember
Recovering from a major loss doesn’t happen in one fell swoop. The more time/introspection invested, the greater the chance of deep healing.
So hopefully adults-and-kids will be able to collaborate on the Activities over a few days/weeks. And brave your loss together … one meaningful action at a time.
WHAT KID DOESN'T LIKE TO PLAY WITH THEIR FOOD??
Mealtime creativity might help kids understand that they can feel more than one emotion at a time.
That it’s ok to feel joy at the same time we feel sadness.
REMEMBER: GRIEF HAS NO "NORMAL"
Each child will grieve in their own way.
A few things that can help you help them**:
Tears are healthy! Those who do not grieve openly, grieve inside.
Let them take the lead in talking about their loss. Don’t force it.
Help them name their emotions.
Watch for cues from you child about what they need/want in any given moment.
Don’t try to rush them through grief.
Let them know you’ll support with whatever they need to brave their loss.