Print Article 11/1/2023 In recognition of Children's Grief Awareness Month this November, the Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program is joining other members of the National Alliance for Children’s Grief to "flip the script" on grief. Throughout the month, we are collectively committed to providing essential tools and resources aimed at fostering a more grief-informed society. This initiative seeks to address the common challenges people face when supporting those who are grieving, aiming to replace potentially hurtful statements or silence with comforting and constructive responses. Additionally, the Healing Patch invites the community to get involved by wearing blue on Children’s Grief Awareness Day, Nov. 16.
As we flip the script, here are some examples of some statements to update with more comforting responses: instead of: “I’m sorry for your loss.” Flip the script to “Thank you for telling me what happened. I know there are no words to make it better. Just know I’m here and want to support you.” Instead of: “You need to be strong.” Flip the script to “Do you want to talk? Do you want to tell me about your [person who died?”
Children's Grief Awareness Month serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging and supporting children who are grieving and their families. According to the JAG Institute’s 2023 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model Report, an alarming statistic underscores the urgency of this effort: 1 in 12 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling by the age of 18. The profound impact of this loss cannot be understated.
Healing Patch Coordinator Melody Ray emphasized the significance of Children's Grief Awareness Month, stating, “Grief that is not expressed, validated or managed negatively impacts ongoing development and mental health and can put a significant strain on the family system. By acknowledging and supporting grieving children and young adults in our community, we can see positive outcomes long-term. The Healing Patch is a place for the community to learn about how to support these grieving children and young adults, as well as a resource for local grieving families to gain connections, support and hope.”
The Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program began in 2006 as a free peer support program for children and their families who have suffered the loss of a significant person, such as a parent, sibling, grandparent or close family member. Since that time, the program has expanded to support young adults aged 18-25, as well as children in community settings, such as in-school services and grief resources. Sharing memories and experiences allows grieving individuals to discover that what they are going through is normal and that hope and healing are possible.
Throughout November, the Healing Patch will be sharing quick and easy statements that can be invaluable to someone grieving. These statements aim to provide comfort, empathy and support to individuals dealing with the profound loss of a loved one. By fostering a more grief-informed society, we can collectively help alleviate the pain and isolation that children who are grieving often experience.
Each year, the Healing Patch joins in the observation of Children’s Grief Awareness Day on the third Thursday of November to bring awareness to the unique needs of grieving children. You can get involved on Nov. 16 by wearing blue. Send photos of yourself, family members, co-workers or others wearing blue to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or message the Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program on Facebook.
For more information on Children's Grief Awareness Month and to access valuable resources for supporting children who are grieving, please visit https://nacg.org/flipthescript/ and search for #FlipTheScript on Facebook and Instagram. To stay updated with the Healing Patch, follow the Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program Facebook page or Instagram @healing_patch.
The Healing Patch
The Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program began in 2006 as a free peer support program for children and their families who have suffered the loss of a significant person, such as a parent, sibling, grandparent or close family member. Since that time, the program has expanded to support young adults, as well as children in community settings, such as in-school services and grief resources. Sharing memories and experiences allows grieving individuals to discover that what they are going through is normal and that hope and healing are possible. The Healing Patch is a free service to the community and relies on individual and community donations, grants and fundraising events for support. If you would like to support the Healing Patch by donating or volunteering, please contact us at 1-800-445-6262 or homenursingagency.com. The Home Nursing Agency Foundation is supported by the United Ways of Bedford County and Blair County.
