Activities
Here are some hands-on activities that may help your child cope with their grief and emotions.
The instructions for all of the activities are listed below so that you can guide your child throughout.
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Frame a picture
Instructions for your child:
Frame a picture of your loved one. You can use a photograph or a drawing.
Click on this picture to download some free frame templates that your child can use.
Keepsake box
Instructions for your child:
Fill a keepsake box with objects that remind you of your loved one. You can choose what you'd like to put inside. This could include: a written letter, a handmade gift or an item that belongs to them.
Click on this picture to download some free letter templates for your child.
Plant
Instructions for your child:
Plant a seed in honour of your loved one. You can choose any type of plant such as a flower.
Watch and care for your plant as it blooms and grows. Think about the lifecycle of all living things.
Christmas ornament
Instructions for your child:
The holiday season can be really tough.
One way to remember your loved one is to hang a special ornament on your Christmas tree. You could make your own or buy a special ornament that reminds you of your loved one.
Click on the image to see some examples.
Collecting leaves
Take your child outside to collect different kinds of leaves, including fresh and dry ones.
Prompt the following discussion with your child: Can you place the leaves in order from freshest to driest? Discuss how leaves change over time. Think about how all living things change over time.
Art as a creative outlet
Creating an artwork can help your child release some of their emotions while they are grieving. Your child can also create an artwork for their loved one by drawing, painting, creating a sculpture, crafting or stamping.
Click on this picture to visit the Free Downloads Page for some templates.
Felt hearts
Sensory textures such as felt hearts may help soothe the complex emotions that your child is experiencing. Felt hearts can be handmade or purchased.
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Instructions for your child:
Felt hearts are symbolic for the love that you have for your special person. You can add a felt heart into your keepsake box, or even keep it under your pillow. When you feel upset, think of your loved one, and gently hold your felt heart. ​​​
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Sensory play
Sensory play is wonderful for all children, and for grieving children, it may provide an outlet for their emotions. Through touch, and the exploration of various textures, children may find that sensory play helps them feel calmer. There are so many ways to incorporate sensory play. Visit my Instagram page @little.rainbow.reads to learn more about sensory play ideas that you can set up for your child. ​​​​​​
Mindful mandalas
Mandalas are used in Buddhism as a symbol of the universe in its ideal form, and they signify the transformation of suffering into joy (Exploring the Mandala, Asia Society, 2024). Creating mandalas is a calming activity that can be implemented in various forms. Click on the picture above to see some different ways that your child can create a mandala. Also, visit the Free Downloads section for some Mindful Mandala colouring pages and
suggested activities. ​
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Role Play
Children learn about the world through developmental play. Processing grief and the loss of a loved one is a very challenging cognitive and emotional experience for kids. Having the opportunity to role play with their toys can be a supportive outlet. Family members can support children by setting up scenarios and activities that explore grief and loss. Click here to access this great article from Edutopia.
Water balloons
Blast your emotions away with water balloons! A wonderful outlet for the intense emotions that come along with grief. This activity has been sourced from Child Life Grief Notes created by Miss Suzanne. You will find the full set of instructions by clicking on the link above.
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Visit Miss Suzanne's Instagram page for more supportive ideas.
Weather and emotions
Coming Soon