Healing Patch Observes Children's Grief Awareness Month

In recognition of Children’s Grief Awareness Month this November, the Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program is coming together with 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 to foster 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 action-based responses. Additionally, the Healing Patch invites the community to get involved by wearing blue on Children’s Grief Awareness Day, Nov. 21.

Drawing directly from the feedback of young people who are grieving, the campaign encourages individuals, communities and professionals to shift away from hurtful and dismissive words often said to young people who are grieving. They highlighted the painful impact of common phrases like “it’ll be fine” or “that sucks,” which can isolate and invalidate what is, for many, a deeply personal experience. Instead, the young people are asking for real, tangible support, replacing these words with actions that genuinely make a difference, such as simply sitting and listening while pressing pause on the advice and understanding that everyone’s grief experience is unique.

They are asking us to:

• Be present.

• Listen actively.

• Actions speak louder than words.

• Press pause on advice.

• Get moving - grief is physical, not just emotional.

• Cultivate a supportive environment for sharing.

• Empower young people’s voices.

• Recognize the uniqueness of each person’s grief.

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 2024 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model Report, an alarming statistic underscores the urgency of this effort: 1 in 12 children, or approximately 6.3 million children, in the United States, will experience the death of a parent or sibling by the age of 18. The profound impact of this loss cannot be understated. In 2022 alone, nearly 1,100 children were bereaved every day, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and support for those navigating the complexities of childhood grief.

Healing Patch Coordinator Melody Ray emphasized the significance of Children’s Grief Awareness Month, stating, “Grief that is not expressed, validated or managed can negatively impact a child’s development and mental health. This puts a significant strain on the family. 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.

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. 21 by wearing blue. Send photos of yourself, family members, co-workers or others wearing blue to steinbuglsm@upmc.edu 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.