Navigating Grief Together: Teacher Script

Welcome & Introduction (5 minutes)

(Teacher says, warmly): "Good evening, everyone. Thank you for being here. I know that addressing a topic like grief can be incredibly sensitive, and I truly appreciate you taking this time to explore how we can best support our families through loss.

My name is [Your Name], and I'll be guiding our session today, 'Navigating Grief Together: Strategies for Supporting Your Family.' Our goal is to create a supportive space where we can discuss practical ways to help our children, and ourselves, through the challenging journey of grief.

(Pause, make eye contact). "Before we dive in, I want to acknowledge that everyone here comes with unique experiences and feelings. Please know that it's okay to feel whatever you're feeling, and there's no pressure to share anything you're not comfortable with. This is a space for learning, understanding, and finding strength together."

(Transition to Navigating Grief Slide Deck - Slide 1-2)

Understanding Family Grief (10 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Let's start by thinking about what grief really is. On the surface, we often associate grief with sadness after a death. But grief is much broader than that. It's a natural emotional response to any significant loss.

(Refer to Navigating Grief Slide Deck - Slide 3). "This could be the death of a loved one, yes, but also a family divorce, moving to a new town, a child changing schools, the loss of a beloved pet, or even significant changes in family dynamics. What's crucial to remember is that everyone's experience of grief is unique. There's no single 'right' way to grieve."

(Refer to Navigating Grief Slide Deck - Slide 4). "And when we think about families, grief can look very different depending on age. For instance, how might a young child express their grief compared to a teenager or an adult?"

(Pause for brief responses, then elaborate). "Young children might regress, act out, become clingy, or have physical complaints. Teens might show mood swings, isolate themselves, or question their beliefs. As adults, we often navigate a complex range of emotions, physical symptoms, and changes in our routines. It's truly a family journey, impacting everyone in its own way."

(Optional: Briefly ask if any parents have observed these different expressions in their own families, reminding them that they don't have to share specifics if uncomfortable).

Strategies for Support (15 minutes)

(Teacher says): "So, how do we navigate this complex landscape as a family? The good news is there are concrete strategies we can use. The first, and arguably most important, is Open Communication."

(Refer to Navigating Grief Slide Deck - Slide 5). "This means using simple, clear, and age-appropriate language. Avoid euphemisms like 'gone to a better place' or 'sleeping forever' with young children, as these can be confusing or frightening. Be honest and direct, in a gentle way. Crucially, validate all feelings. It's okay to be sad, angry, confused, or even feel moments of relief. Create a safe space where your children feel they can ask any question, and you'll do your best to answer honestly."

(Refer to Navigating Grief Slide Deck - Slide 6). "Next, let's talk about Rituals and Routines. Maintaining routines provides a sense of predictability and security, especially when a child's world feels turned upside down. This doesn't mean ignoring the grief, but offering a sense of normalcy where possible.

"And then, creating rituals. These are new ways to remember and honor the person or loss. It could be a memory box, planting a tree, looking at old photos together, or an annual gathering. These rituals can give both children and adults a sense of control and a tangible way to express their grief and keep memories alive."

(Refer to Navigating Grief Slide Deck - Slide 7). "Now, let's move into a guided discussion using our Family Grief Discussion Guide. Please take a moment to look at the prompts. We'll explore these questions together."

(Distribute Family Grief Discussion Guide and facilitate discussion, allowing for shared experiences and insights).

Building a Support Network (10 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Sometimes, despite our best efforts, grief can feel overwhelming. It's vital to remember that it's okay to ask for help."

(Refer to Navigating Grief Slide Deck - Slide 8). "There are many resources available. Individual or family counseling with a grief specialist can provide tailored tools and a safe space. Support groups can connect you with others who understand what you're going through, reducing feelings of isolation. Don't forget school counselors or social workers who can be invaluable resources for children and teens.

"It’s important to recognize when the grief is impacting daily functioning or causing prolonged distress for yourself or your child. That's a key sign to seek professional guidance."

(Distribute Grief Support Resource Handout). "I've prepared a Grief Support Resource Handout for you with some local and national resources that might be helpful. Please take a moment to look it over."

Q&A and Closing (5 minutes)

(Teacher says): "We've covered a lot of ground today. Before we wrap up, I want to open the floor for any questions you might have."

(Address questions).

(Refer to Navigating Grief Slide Deck - Slide 9). "As we conclude, I want to reiterate a few key messages: Be patient with yourselves and with each other. Grief is not a linear process, and healing takes time. You are not alone in this journey."

"Thank you again for your incredible engagement and for your commitment to supporting your families. I hope you found some valuable strategies and felt supported here today."

(End of script).

Family Grief Discussion Guide

This guide offers prompts to facilitate a group discussion among parents on navigating grief within their families. Encourage open and respectful sharing, reminding participants that they can pass if uncomfortable.

Understanding & Communication

1. What are some different ways you've observed grief expressed by children in your family or among those you know?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. How might you start a conversation about loss with a child of a particular age (e.g., a preschooler, an elementary student, a teenager)? What language would you try to use or avoid?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What are some of the challenges in talking to children about death or significant loss, and how might you approach overcoming them?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Coping Strategies & Support

4. Can you think of any existing family routines or rituals that might offer comfort during a time of grief? How could you adapt or create new ones?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. How do you, as a parent, currently cope with stress or difficult emotions? How might your children perceive these coping mechanisms?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. What does

Grief Support Resource Handout

Navigating grief as a family can be incredibly challenging, and it's important to remember that you don't have to do it alone. Here are some resources that can provide additional support and guidance.

National Resources

• The Dougy Center for Grieving Children & Families: Offers support for children, teens, young adults, and their families who are grieving a death.
  • Website: www.dougy.org
• National Alliance for Grieving Children (NAGC): Provides a network for those who support grieving children and teens. Their website has a directory to help you find local resources.
  • Website: www.childrengrieve.org
• GriefNet.org: An online community of persons dealing with grief, death, and major loss.
  • Website: www.griefnet.org
• HelpGuide.org - Coping with Grief and Loss: Offers practical advice and resources for coping with grief, including specific sections on helping children.
  • Website: www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-grief.htm

Books for Families & Children

For Parents:

• The Grieving Process: A Guide for Families by Dr. Alan Wolfelt
• Helping Children Cope with Grief by Alan Wolfelt

For Children:

• The Invisible String by Patrice Karst (for younger children)
• When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown
• Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss by Pat Schwiebert and Chuck DeKlyen

Local Support (Consult your community for specific services)

• Hospice Organizations: Many local hospice centers offer grief support groups and counseling services to the community, not just those who have used their hospice care.
  • Search online for: "[Your City/County] Hospice Grief Support"
• School Counseling Services: Your child's school counselor can be a vital resource for supporting students through grief and can often connect families with local services.
  • Contact your child's school directly.
• Community Mental Health Centers: These centers often provide affordable counseling services for individuals and families.
  • Search online for: "[Your City/County] Mental Health Services"

Remember:

• Be patient with yourselves and your family members. Grief is a journey, not a destination.
• It's okay to seek professional help. Sometimes, extra support makes all the difference.
• Connect with your support network. Lean on friends, family, and community members. You are not alone.