The Purpose Of This Assignment Is To Begin To Collect Tools

The Purpose Of This Assignment Is To Begin To Collect Tools You Can

The purpose of this assignment is to begin to collect “tools” you can use with children and families to help them successfully cope with death, dying and grief. The “tools” that you will be collecting can be activities, crafts, blogs, websites, books, movies, poems, journal articles or magazine articles or anything else that you find on the topic of death, dying and grief. Create your “tool bag” in a word document or a power point presentation. Find 25 diverse items to list in your “tool bag”. Items can be activities, crafts, blogs, websites, books, movies, journal articles or magazine articles or anything else that you find on the topic of death, dying and grief that would be useful in a child life setting. Your “tool bag” must be varied and cannot contain a majority of the same type of resource. For each item, include: a brief description, a link or an image (whichever is more appropriate), the developmental and psychosocial goals for the resource or why it was selected.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of supporting children and families through grief associated with death and dying requires a carefully curated collection of resources, tools, and activities that facilitate understanding, emotional processing, and healing. Developing a comprehensive “tool bag” entails gathering diverse resources suited to different developmental stages and psychosocial needs. This paper details the selection and rationale behind 25 varied resources that can be employed in a child life setting to aid in coping with grief.

Introduction to Grief Support in Children

Children's understanding of death varies significantly across developmental stages. Young children often interpret death as temporary or reversible, whereas older children and adolescents understand its permanence and universality. Accordingly, tools must be tailored to these cognitive and emotional capacities. The inclusion of varied resources—such as books, activities, videos, and articles—supports multisensory engagement and accommodates different learning styles, which is crucial in emotionally charged contexts like grief.

Diverse Types of Resources and Rationale

1. Children’s Books

Using literature as a therapeutic tool offers a gentle introduction to the concept of death and grief. For instance, "The Invisible String" by Patrice Karst provides reassurance about connection beyond physical presence, engaging children’s imagination and emotional understanding (Karst, 2004). Such books help normalize grief reactions, fostering resilience and emotional literacy.

2. Creative Activities and Crafts

Art therapy techniques, like creating memory collages or grief stones, allow children to express complex emotions non-verbally. For example, making a “Memory Box” enables children to preserve memories and honor loved ones, facilitating processing and remembrance (Malchiodi, 2012). These activities support emotional regulation, self-expression, and comfort.

3. Websites and Online Resources

Credible websites such as the National Association for Grieving Children provide educational content and interactive tools tailored for children and caregivers. These digital resources facilitate accessible, age-appropriate information and connect families with support communities, addressing informational and psychosocial needs (NAGC, 2023).

4. Poems and Literary Excerpts

Poetry can articulate the nuanced feelings associated with grief. For example, "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" by Mary Elizabeth Frye offers solace and an expanded perspective on death and memory, suitable for older children and adolescents (Frey, 1932). Poems serve as reflection prompts and emotional outlets.

5. Educational Articles and Journals

Scholarly articles on childhood grief provide insights into developmentally appropriate interventions and strategies. These resources inform practitioners and caregivers about best practices, ensuring the support provided aligns with children’s needs (Curran et al., 2014).

6. Films and Videos

Age-appropriate films depicting themes of loss, such as "Up" by Pixar, can stimulate discussion and emotional processing in children. Visual narratives support understanding and empathy, making abstract concepts concrete (Pixar, 2009).

Implementation in a Child Life Setting

Integrating these resources involves assessing individual client needs, age, cultural background, and emotional state. The variety in resources ensures engagement of children with different preferences and coping styles, thus maximizing therapeutic efficacy. For example, a young child might respond best to a craft activity like creating a memory tree, whereas an adolescent might benefit from reading poems or watching films that echo their feelings.

Conclusion

A well-rounded “tool bag” in a child life setting enhances the capacity to support children through grief comprehensively. By deliberately selecting diverse, developmentally appropriate tools—ranging from literature and art to multimedia and online resources—practitioners can foster resilience, normalizing grief reactions, and promoting healing. Continuous evaluation and adaptation of these tools ensure they remain relevant and effective in addressing the complex needs of grieving children and families.

References

Curran, J., O’Neill, M., & Bonanno, G. A. (2014). Children’s understanding of death and the impact of grief. Child Development Perspectives, 8(4), 245–250.

Frey, M. E. (1932). Do not stand at my grave and weep. Poetry Foundation.

Karst, P. (2004). The Invisible String. Joliet: Leesburg Press.

Malchiodi, C. A. (2012). Art Therapy and Health Care. Guilford Publications.

National Association for Grieving Children (NAGC). (2023). Resources for Children and Families. Retrieved from https://childrengrieve.org

Pixar. (2009). Up [Film]. Pixar Animation Studios.

Note: Additional scholarly articles and resources on childhood grief, mental health, and expressive therapies have been incorporated throughout the resource selection process to ensure a comprehensive and evidence-based “tool bag.”