Tender Steps: Supporting Children Through Grief

Children often respond to grief differently than young or older adults. Some may not have the vocabulary of maturity to express their feelings. Others may appear normal at first but regress into thumb-sucking or bed-wetting behaviors. Changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, headaches, and stomach aches can be common physical manifestations of grief in children.

Adults, especially if they are grieving themselves, can have difficulty explaining the concept of death in age-appropriate ways, or picking up on subtle changes in behaviors and moods of the child, so children may experience isolation and depression.

Tender Steps is a new program for children aged approximately 5-10 years to assist them as the navigate grief. An adult (parent/guardian/adult family member) is required to accompany the child and may opt to attend the session to observe and learn and will be able to communicate with the facilitator outside of class times if necessary.

This series is offered in association with The COPE Family Center, where the classes will be held: 707 Randolph St., Napa CA 94559.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Children should be in the 5–10-year-old age range, however children older or younger may be suitable for the class—please consult with the facilitator.
2. Children who are more comfortable communicating in Spanish are welcome to join the class as the facilitator is a fluent Spanish speaker and will warmly include them.
3. An adult (parent/guardian/adult family member) is required to accompany the child for the duration of each class.
4. While pre-reservation is preferred to ensure enough space and materials are available, drop-ins are also accepted on a space available basis.
5. Children may attend individual classes or the complete series. Dates are being finalized.
6. The classes are a free community service made possible by generous donations to the Providence Community Health Foundation Napa Valley