OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Grief is not an emotion reserved exclusively for adults. Children struggle with loss in various forms, ranging from the death of a loved one, the erosion of a family through divorce, or other significant life changes. Experts say it can leave an indelible mark that can shape their emotional landscape for a lifetime.
National Children’s Grief Awareness Day, observed annually on the third Thursday of November, serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and supporting young people as they navigate the complex journey of grief.
“It is our responsibility that they do not suffer from delayed or displaced grief and anger and that they do not become a forgotten griever,” said Lisa Bolton, an early childhood educator, grief counselor and board-certified mental health coach. She also founded The Dandelion Project which provides counseling and support services for families who’ve lost a loved one to opioid addiction.
“They need someone to hug them and not be told to just get over it,” said Michelle Pepin. She is the founder of Picking Up the Pieces which provides harm reduction services.
Together Bolton and Pepin co-founded M.U.T.E. which stands for Mother’s United To Educate. Both are grieving mothers who lost children.
Their passion is palpable.
“The storms that we have that rage in our hearts after loss… kids experience that too,” said Bolton. “Kids don’t just get over it and they will not just be fine because they’re young. That’s the message we have to get out there.”
They say children often grieve differently than adults. They may lack the vocabulary to articulate their emotions or struggle to comprehend the loss.
Bolton and Pepin say the impact of unaddressed childhood grief can be profound, affecting mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being.
“I hear teachers say ‘they’re (kids) misbehaving and being bad,'” said Bolton. “They’re not being bad. They’ve suffered a trauma and they’re grieving. That’s the root cause of the behavior issues. In order to stop that, they don’t need medication. They don’t need behavior modification. They need somebody to sit there and listen and take seriously the fact that their heart has been broken and they don’t know to handle it because they’re too young.”
The two women work together to host events that will create awareness; as well as safe spaces for children heal. Two such events are coming up.
The first is a ‘Walk to Remember’ on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens at 5050 SW 20th St. in Ocala. There will be a Christmas tree to hang ornaments in honor of lost loved ones. Organizers encourage attendees to then participate in Worldwide Candle Lighting Day at 7:00 p.m. and light candles in honor of children who died to show they will never be forgotten.
This month they’re hosting a toy drive for children who lost their parents which will culminate in a party on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Disabled American Veterans Hall at 9636 SE 58th Ave. in Belleview.
The party will be complete with arts/crafts, music, a photo booth and Santa.
“We let them be kids. Get gifts. Have a good time,” said Pepin.
They take home photos as a memento. “We want to give them something where the holidays would be something to remember in a good way,” she added.
If you’d like your child to participate, contact Michelle Pepin to register.
The women believe that providing age-appropriate resources can make a significant difference in a child’s ability to cope and adapt.
By shedding light on the struggle, Bolton and Pepin hope to educate others so that they stand ready to support the young people in times of sorrow.