Art by Grieving Children

The Rays of Hope Children’s Grief Centre in Texas helps children grieving after the loss of a loved one, experiencing divorce, or coping with an incarcerated parent. The counselors at the Rays of Hope are aware that sometimes these traumas can be difficult to talk about. So, to help the children express their grief, they encourage them to share their stories and feelings through art and music.

Executive Director Vicki Jay says, “I wish every community could have a Rays of Hope [or other center for grieving children], some way to serve children that have had losses and changes, some way to recognize that they’re grieving and to do something about it.”

Are you helping to support children grieving after a loss? Help them express their thoughts and feelings through exercises like the ones in the video. Take photos, create self-portraits, help them write out their thoughts, sing songs, draw and color pictures.

For more ways to help grieving children, see Helping Children Heal Through Art Therapy.

Source: The United Methodist Church