“Grief is the conflicting feelings caused by a change or an end in a familiar pattern of behaviour” For many children `pet loss` is likely to be one of their first experiences of grief, the loss however may have occurred through divorcing grandparents or a shift in domestic arrangements, it can even be challenging finances that incur the loss. Children may have seen confronting scenes for example in `death of a pet` they may have found the body, if we are lucky enough to identify a grief event has occurred, a helpful response is to ask, “What happened?”. For many of us it is at this point we might lose confidence in how to respond, the good news is, it is most helpful to listen. Active listening provides an outlet and release for the emotional pressure that can build up inside us, it is a precious gift we provide if we can listen without judgement criticism or analysis.
Short Term Energy Relieving Behaviours (STERBS) may present themselves instead. STERBS are numerous and can range from constant desk tidying and OCD type behaviours to regression and acting out. In any event it is not only the children who may present but also the parents!
For more information on how to be an 'active' listener, STERBS, and much more on supporting mental health in the classroom please get in touch via my portal page http://www.independentschoolsportal.org/nicola-clifford.html You can also find information on availability for your school to participate in my six week 'Helping Children Deal With Loss' course in which I can accomodate up to 15 members of staff either in your own setting or here in the beautiful grounds of Pownall Hall School, Cheshire. I look forward to sharing this illuminating work with you.
5 Comments
Ben Clarke
17/5/2017 03:38:29 pm
The "Helping Children Deal With Loss" course that Nicky runs in school is a revelation. I learned many new and well informed ways to approach "grief", what it is and how to deal with the challenges that surround loss events. I also learned many things about myself through doing the course although that was not something I had forseen. Nicky made the course really enjoyable and it was fabulous meeting each week to discuss our individual findings after reading various sections of the book. The book itself is beautifully written and the course I found to be truly enlightening. I would highly recommend the course to everyone.
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Emma Jaffray
17/5/2017 04:02:28 pm
Really interesting.
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Nick Clifford
18/5/2017 10:27:09 pm
An excellent programme helping to dispel a lot of the myths and assumptions we all make when dealing with grief and loss.
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Charlene Kinsella
19/5/2017 02:39:43 pm
I cannot recommend this course enough! I completed the course a few weeks after the death of my Grandad. It really helped me to deal with the loss of my dear Grandad who I was very close to. I was so inspired with this particular course "Helping children deal with loss" that I would like to complete the course that is focused on dealing with personal loss. Nicky is such a caring and approachable person she made everyone feel at ease. I would recommend her courses to everyone!
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Susan Coyle
19/5/2017 02:46:07 pm
Working with Nicky on the 'Helping Children Grieve' course has transformed how I interact with my class. All children experience losses, whether large or small, and understanding how to really listen to pupils and help them to deal with negative emotions is an essential tool for every teacher.
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