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Quote of the Week
"Healthy children will not fear life, if their elders have integrity enough not to fear death." -- Erik Erikson
Mommy, Do Kids Die? Helping Children With Death
"Death is something that children don’t understand. I’m not sure that the adult mind can understand it, either. The loss of a human being is irrevocable, and our minds don’t see it as logical or acceptable. When children encounter the death of a classmate, a friend or family member, it can really shake a child’s world. Suddenly, life doesn’t feel as safe. Suddenly, the adults around the child are struggling with simple daily tasks. Suddenly, it’s difficult to play, or difficult to find someone to play with. There’s no way around the big punch a death makes in a child’s sense of safety. But there are many ways to support children through this experience, so that it hijacks the smallest possible amount of their confidence, and so that they can recover fully, with a better understanding of the world and of the power of their parents to care, to build community, and to make a good life, even under adverse circumstances." [read more]
Reading Corner
 Title: ​I Miss You: A First Look at Death
By: Pat Thomas
Ages: 4 and up
"When a close friend or family member dies, it can be difficult for children to express their feelings. This book helps boys and girls understand that death is a natural complement to life, and that grief and a sense of loss are normal feelings for them to have following a loved one's death. Titles in this sensitively presented series explore the dynamics of various relationships experienced by children of preschool through early school age. Kids are encouraged to understand personal feelings and social problems as a first step in dealing with them. Written by psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas, these books promote positive interaction among children, parents, and teachers. The story lines are simple and direct--easily accessible to younger children." - Publishers
Recommended by Cubs Editors
Be The Change
Small practices like, gently burying a dead insect in your backyard with a prayer, or talking to a passed on loved one by watching the stars in the night could be a great start for comforting your child and yourself through this process. Ideas like these and more can help a child feel that death is not something to be afraid of.
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