4 facts about Children and Loss
Children experience an average of 15 significant losses by the time they reach adulthood.
Services are often available for children who are grieving the death of a close relative, however other losses are not typically supported.
Switching schools, having a close friend move away, the death of a pet or acquaintance, divorce, and long-term illness are common yet unacknowledged losses.
Symptoms of loss include difficulty concentrating, absenteeism, outbursts of anger, withdrawal and lack of participation in class, isolation, and lowered achievement.
Loss in the Classroom
Students who have encountered a loss bring it with them into the classroom. In fact, depending on the loss they may prefer to speak to their teacher rather than a parent.
Teachers, however, often feel ill equipped to deal with loss. They’re worried they will say the wrong thing, or they don’t have enough time to comfort an upset child.
Structured Educational Programme
The Helping Children with Loss programme gives teachers the confidence they need to handle losses – big and small – on a daily basis.
Based on the scientifically proven effective Grief Recovery Method, teachers, carers, pastoral care workers, child protection delegates, and other professionals will be able to:
-Handle “everyday” losses and disappointments in the classroom
-Know what to say (and what not to say) to bereaved family members
-Answer difficult questions about death, sickness or grief in the classroom
–Use the correct language to comfort a child
-Guide a child through the action steps necessary for completing their relationship to the pain of an emotional loss.
Benefits to your School
Each staff member who completes the Helping Children with Loss programme will be able to offer “emotional first aid” to children any time, any place. Your staff will feel better prepared to handle challenges and parents will know your school takes emotional health seriously.
The methods used in the course are applicable to all age and ability levels as well as any type of loss.
Staff receive 10 hours of Continuing Professional Development, a Certificate of Completion, and a copy of the bestselling book “When Children Grieve” by John W James and Russell Friedman.
Training is offered on-site at your school, at a time convenient to your staff.
“Clear, useful, practical methods to use in school and out of school. This was a positive, safe environment for discussing very sensitive issues.”
Changing vocabulary
”Helping Children with Loss has made me better able to deal with loss in the classroom. I know what myths to avoid and I have learned how to change the language I use with children who experience grief.”Clear and practical
”Clear, useful, practical methods to use in school and out of school. This was a positive, safe environment for discussing very sensitive issues.”A value for schools
”It was excellent! All staff should do this course!”Changing the way we think
”The course was insightful and gave me both an open mind and an open heart to help others.”Praise
”Libby has given me the confidence and abilities to help children suffering with loss.”*All testimonials have been kept anonymous due to the nature of the subject matter and out of respect for clients’ privacy.