National Children’s Grief Awareness Day
National Children's Grief Awareness Day, observed on the third Thursday of November, shines a light on the unique challenges faced by grieving children and emphasizes the importance of supporting them on their journey toward healing. This year National Children’s Grief Awareness Day will be observed November 16, 2023.
Understanding the Impact
Grief is a universal experience, touching lives in ways that are both profound and deeply personal. For children, the grieving process can be particularly challenging, as they may struggle to comprehend the permanence of loss or find the words to express their emotions. National Children's Grief Awareness Day serves as a poignant reminder to acknowledge and address the impact of grief on the younger members of our communities.
Breaking the Silence
One of the key objectives of this day is to break the silence surrounding children's grief. Often, societal expectations may inadvertently encourage children to suppress their feelings or conform to a preconceived notion of how they should cope. National Children's Grief Awareness Day encourages open conversations about grief, fostering an environment where children feel safe to express their emotions authentically.
Resources for Support
Whether it's the loss of a parent, sibling, friend, or any significant figure in their lives, children need a support system that understands and accommodates their unique needs. On this day, communities, schools, and families can explore and share resources designed to help children navigate their grief journey. From counseling services to age-appropriate literature, these resources play a vital role in providing the support that grieving children require.
How to Get Involved
Wear Blue: Blue is the official color of National Children's Grief Awareness Day. Wearing blue serves as a visible symbol of support and solidarity.
Share Stories: Encourage individuals to share their stories of grief and healing. Personal narratives have the power to inspire and connect, reminding us that we are not alone in our experiences.
Create Light: Light a candle or create a luminary with your family in honor of your loved one.
How to Create Luminary
Find a vessel to hold the light. You can go to the dollar store and find clear domes or globes. Glue meaningful objects to the base. It can be fun to make your luminary holiday themed and think about all of the traditions that are important to your family. Once the glue is dry place your fairy lights inside. Optional: Decorate the outside of the globe with stickers. Place your luminary in a meaningful spot in your home (e.g., at the dining table, on the holiday tree).
Holiday Luminary Craft