Grief can be an especially hard concept for children to cope with. It is important that children who are grieving can be heard and recognized in their struggle.
In 2008, the Highmark Caring Place created Children’s Grief Awareness Day, an international observance day set on the third Thursday of each November. This day seeks to bring attention to what students deal with during difficult grieving periods. The time of year is selected because it can be difficult to grieve during the holiday season.
This year, Children’s Grief Awareness Day is on Thursday, Nov. 21. On the day itself, BPHS students are encouraged to wear blue to recognize and support grieving children.
During the week of Children’s Grief Awareness Day, the high school staff will set up multiple stations that will help allow students to place remembrance on a lost loved one. Remembrance trees, decorated with butterflies, can be found in the lobby. Students can receive from a counselor, who will be available during homeroom and lunch periods, a butterfly to add to the trees. Students can also go to the TEAMS room to craft a button that will commemorate their loved ones.
Grief is one of the hardest emotions to cope with, so if your friend is experiencing grief, do not be afraid to reach out to them, and let them know your help is available.
