Raising awareness for grieving kids and teens

There are many observances throughout the year, but next month we celebrate a day that is near and dear to the heart of the VNA of Hanover and Spring Grove. Children's Grief Awareness Day is observed every year on the third Thursday in November - this year, the date is Nov. 15. This time of year is a natural time to increase support for grieving children, as the holiday season can prove to be an especially difficult time after the death of a loved one.

Children's Grief Awareness Day seeks to bring attention to the fact that support can make all the difference in the life of a grieving child. Every school and every community has children who have experienced some type of loss. Even if they keep their loss and experience to themselves, there are many children who are grieving among us. Children's Grief Awareness Day provides an opportunity to recognize and support the millions of grieving children across the nation and the grieving children in our own lives by increasing awareness and making sure that these children receive the support they need. Blue is the official color of Children's Grief Awareness Day, so wearing blue on Nov. 15 is an easy way to show support for grieving children.
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One child out of every 20 will have a parent die before graduating from high school. When you take into account the number of children who experience the death of a sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or friend, it becomes clear that nearly all children will experience a significant loss early in life. Children who have had someone die - especially a close family member - can feel the loss forever. On the surface, it may look like the child has returned to "normal," but the child may still be struggling with how to deal with his/her feelings.

This struggle often gets worse during the holiday season when the ongoing feelings of longing and pain become intensified and when memories of past holidays contrast sharply with the loss of the present holiday. This is a time of year when the grieving child can feel more alone than ever.

With this in mind, the VNA of Hanover and Spring Grove is pleased to offer a free workshop on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the VNA at 440 N. Madison St. in Hanover. The Children's Holiday Grief Workshop is open to children ages 5 to 13 and their parents or guardians who live within our service area of southwestern York County and all of Adams County. The workshop's activities will be facilitated by trained bereavement staff and volunteers and will include crafts, snacks, and storytelling, all focused on helping children deal with grief.

Younger children are also welcome to attend the workshop under the supervision of a parent or guardian. There will also be a separate adult support group meeting during the children's activities.

If you know a child who has lost a loved one and may be struggling with grief, please let his/her parents or guardians know about this event. For more information, contact Elizabeth Gordon or Carol Wallen at (717) 637-1227. Registration forms for this event are available online at www.vnahanover.org. The registration deadline for this event is Nov. 5.

Elizabeth Gordon, LSW, is the Bereavement Counselor for the VNA of Hanover and Spring Grove Hospice program.