Losing a loved one is never easy. No matter how old you are, coming to terms with the death of a family member or a friend can be extremely difficult. But, this is especially true for children who lose someone close to them.

Children can often have a hard time processing the reality of death and properly expressing their emotions. Supporting them through this significant life change is critically important. Giving them the ability to talk about how they feel, to do it on their own time, and to do it safely are essential.

Providing your children with the support they need while you yourself are dealing with your own loss can increase your stress and anxiety. Being there for your children while trying to make sense of your own emotions and moving towards acceptance can be emotionally exhausting. It can also be tremendously frustrating as you try to navigate your new reality.

Finding the right outlet for your child to work their way through the grieving process can be hard. Is counseling appropriate? Are you worrying that your child may not be talking about their feelings enough? Are you worrying that they may be fixated on the loss? And, again, how does all of this fit together with your struggle?

The most important thing to acknowledge is that you may need help – both for your child and yourself. There is nothing wrong with looking for resources and assistance that can benefit a child. Their needs are complex and their ability to effectively verbalize their thoughts and feelings is not nearly as developed. Because of this, it is important to find different outlets and means through which they can express their feelings.

Art therapy, music, pets, and playtime are just some of the tools that can be used to help a child work their way through the grieving process. These activities, facilitated by people with proper training, can be a tremendous benefit to children attempting to process their loss.

Hospice of Chattanooga is proud to offer just such a resource. The Invisible String Healing Hearts Kids Camp is a grief camp for children ages five to twelve. This one-day camp offers children the opportunity to work through their feelings with the assistance of Hospice staff and volunteers. Art, music, animals, and playtime are all utilized to help children cope with the death of someone significant to them. For more information about The Invisible String Healing Hearts Camp and ongoing support groups, please visit https://www.hospiceofchattanooga.org/events/2019/9/28/healing-heart-kids-camp.