Today, November 21, 2019, marks Children’s Grief Awareness Day! I wouldn’t be surprised if you have never heard of this before.

So, what is it and why is it important? . . . .

Surprisingly, Children’s Grief Awareness Day has only been around since 2008. It is celebrated on the third Thursday of November each year on the Thursday before Thanksgiving. This day was developed to recognize the need to raise awareness, create understanding, and promote support for children as they grieve the death the loss of a loved one.

I love this cause. In fact, working with kids and teens through their grief is one of my favorite things to do in the big wide world of therapy.

On this day, I also want to promote supporting our children and teens through other types of grief experiences. It is crucial to understand death is not the only life experience which may create grief reactions in children. The following list is only a few of the endless examples of life events where children may your additional support as an adult willing to make a difference when it counts.

* PARENTAL DIVORCE/ SEPARATION

* LOSS OF A PET

* MOVING

* BIRTH OF A SIBLING

* INCARCERATION OF A LOVED ONE

* LOSS OF A FRIENDSHIP

* PARENTAL MILITARY DEPLOYMENT

* CHANGING SCHOOLS

* ABUSE AND NEGLECT (SEXUAL, PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, VERBAL)

* NATURAL DISASTERS

My hope is that you will take some time to reflect on a few things. First, look back on your own experiences with childhood grief. I’d be curious what you’ll remember and what feelings might be attached to those memories. Second, look at the children in your life. Challenge yourself to be that person. Show them you understand and recognize their grief.