Feelings
What is grief?
The feelings and thoughts we experience when someone we love dies
What does it mean to be dead?
the person is no longer breathing and their heart is not beating
Should adults express their feelings in front of children?
yes-everyone grieves and need to express these feelings
Why do people cry when someone dies?
Natural release of emotions; express sadness; feelings of sadness, hurt,
Can a child's misbehaviour cause a death?
False- people do not cause others to die
What is mourning?
The expression of grief feelings through actions, words and activities; how we release the grief
What is cremation?
Changing the physical body to ashes through heat exposure
When someone is very sad or upset, they may not want to talk and withdraw from others. What should you do if someone you knew did this?
Offer help; offer to spend time with them; play together; hang out; suggest they talk to someone; give them something to comfort them
What is a safe way to express angry feelings?
Physical activity (running, exercise, sports, jumping up and down); telling someone you trust; punching a pillow; screaming into a pillow; talking to a pet or stuffed animal
It is normal to have a hard time believing that a person has really died?
yes- it often seems unreal or have times when you momentarily think the person is back
Name 3 feelings children may have when someone they love dies?
sad, mad, scared, confused, worried, lonely, tired, guilty
Why do people die?
The natural end of the life cycle that all living creatures experience
Name 3 unhealthy ways to show feelings
hurting yourself or others, breaking things, breaking the law, name calling, swearing, using drugs or alcohol, being defiant, not going to school; taking risks;
What does it mean to be "laughing on the outside but crying on the inside?"
A person feels differently than they appear to others; not showing others how they really feel and look happy outside
Name 3 activities which can help someone feel better
Who experiences grief?
Everyone who loves someone who has died
What is the life cycle?
All living creatures have a time to be born (come to life), live and a time to die
Name 3 healthy ways to express grief?
Talking about it; drawing; writing; music; sports/exercise; crying; doing activities which help you feel close to them; seeking comfort; wearing their clothes
Does everyone cry when someone dies? Why or why not?
no- everyone expresses feelings differently and crying is only one way to express feelings
How long does grief last?
grief does not end-it changes and occur less often and less intensely, but occurs from time to time in grief bursts
Name 3 places in the body where someone might feel their feelings
head, heart, neck, chest, arms, shoulders, eyes, mouth, stomach
Do people grieve when they lose pets?
Yes-pets are part of our family; when we lose a pet we love, we grieve for them
If a friend's family member died, what advice would be helpful?
It's okay to talk about it; I understand how you feel; having fun is helpful; it won't feel like this forever
Why do children sometimes hide their feelings?
Embarassment; fear of how others will respond; no one to talk to; don't want to upset others or get in trouble
How do we stay connected to someone after death?
Visit gravesite/memorial; memories; pictures; videos; do activities you shared; talk about them; prayer