Sometimes kids have to deal with different types of loss.
You might lose something like a toy you really liked. Maybe your pet died. Perhaps you have had to move to a different home or school. This is also a loss. You have lost the familiar surroundings and friends at your school.
Grief and loss isn't just about someone or something dying. It can be about a loss of a friendship, a person, a thing, a way of life, the way you are used to doing things, a parent that moves out of the home or it could be the loss of the home itself. Loss is not just about death.
When there has been a loss, often kids feel really sad about it. This is called grieving.
They wish the thing or person would come back.
They wish things were the way they used to be.
Sometimes people feel this way for weeks, months and even years.
This is OK.
People need to have time to deal with their loss.
Some people need more time than others.
Big losses like a family break-up, a death of a friend or a family member or pet take a long time to understand and deal with. It's hard to know what to do with your feelings. It can be a confusing time for everyone.
Here are some pointers on what to do with these feelings.
1. Don't be afraid to talk to someone about your feelings. Ms. Scott, a friend, parent or teacher can help you work through your feelings.
2. Read some books about kids that are going through losses like yours. There are books in your school library and at the public library. Ask Ms. Scott. She has lots of books in her office to lend to you.
3. Draw a picture that shows your sadness.
4. Think of your sadness as being a big blob standing beside you. What would it would say if it could talk? Write this down.
5. If a friend, family member or pet has died or moved away, create a memorial. Some kids make scrapbooks. Some kids put a few items of the loved one in a shadow box and hang it on their wall in their room. Some kids have a special place in their room to put pictures and items that remind them of the loved one.
6. Ask mom or dad or another family member to look through some pictures of the loved one with you.
7. Talk to other people in your family about the loss. Sometimes an aunt, uncle, cousin, grandparent can offer a lot of comfort to you.