Grieving the loss of a loved one is never easy, especially for children. That’s why Southeast Cancer Support Services is offering a unique grief support program, designed specifically for kids and their caregivers.
Facilitated by Mishelle Aminov Kosonovsky, the program provides a safe space for children to navigate their emotions through creative expression.
“The support we aim to provide is to deal with children and their caregivers navigating their grief journey. To lose a loved one is complex for all of us at any age, at any point of our lives. And in the family, it affects everyone who witnesses the process and loss. I wish for this group to be a safe space for solidarity and support and growth.”
One of the key aspects of this grief support program is the use of art therapy. But it’s not just about painting or drawing, it’s about all forms of creative expression.
“Through art-based activities, discussions and other creative expressions, it offers a community where children can share their feelings, understand that they are not alone, and develop coping skills to manage their loss in a healthy way. And for their adults to have time to spend together and processing and meeting other adults who have children and are going through their own grief journey.”
Children who participate in the program might engage in anything from painting and clay modeling to storytelling and puppet-making. The activities vary, based on what each child needs at that moment.
“I think even within a group dynamic there's something that is very tailored to the circumstances, to the day. Some days will be rougher than the others and some days will be easier and more lighthearted.”
Grief manifests differently in every child, and Kosonovsky emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs.
“Some more common, by-the-book signs can include things like changes in behavior, distances from activities they once enjoyed, difficulty concentrating in school, increased anxiety, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and physical complaints like stomach aches and headaches,” she explains.
While some children express their grief through play or art, others may act out, become clingy, or struggle with feelings of guilt and anger. And then there are those who may not show any outward signs at all.
“Losing a loved one to an illness or at all, is shaking to all of us in all stages of life. I strongly believe in how good a good support system is in this part of life.”
One of the most valuable aspects of the program is that children and caregivers connect with others who have experienced similar losses.
“The group really aims to foster a sense of belonging by bringing together families who have experienced similar losses,” says Kosonovsky. “Through group creative time and peer support activities, kids and adults realize that they’re not alone in their grief.”
This shared experience helps children feel validated and understood, which is crucial for healing.
For parents and caregivers who may be unsure of how to support a grieving child, Kosonovsky has some advice:
“I can say in general that providing reassurance, maintaining routines, encouraging open communication, validating and listening without judgment is foundational to support children in their grieving journey.”
She acknowledges that it can be difficult for adults who are also grieving, which is why having a strong support system is vital.
A common misconception is that children bounce back quickly or don’t fully grasp the depth of their loss.
“In reality, children may experience grief in waves, sometimes seeming fine in one moment and then deeply upset the next,” Kosonovsky explains. “Another misconception is that silence means they are coping well. Some children may suppress emotions out of fear of upsetting their caregivers.”
Allowing children to express their emotions, whether through play, storytelling, or art, can be incredibly beneficial to their healing process.
She encourages anyone who needs support to reach out and know that they are not alone.
The program is held at SCSS offices on Mondays in February to April. To register for the free program, call 204-326-8571 or check out their website at secancersupport.ca.
With files from Carly Koop