A Keepsake Book of Special Memories: Helping Children Heal From Loss

Children, like adults, are affected by the death of someone close to them, and, similarly, they may need help expressing their grief. Unfortunately, children seldom get such help. Creating a keepsake book gives children a way to reflect on the relationship with the person who has died and to say goodbye. This book is designed for children ages 4 to 12, to be completed with the help of a supportive parent, family member, friend, teacher, or counselor. The activities in the book are inherently therapeutic and enable children to express their most private feelings and to take an active role in their own healing. By collecting photographs of the person who has died, writing and drawing with pen and crayons, and taping and gluing images, children begin the healing process. When finished, the book becomes a special keepsake of their memories. This unique book Helps children to grieve Encourages active participation using hands-on activities Provides a helpful tool for practitioners and adult relatives and friends Promotes positive alternatives for coping with anger Provides opportunities to express sadness and other feelings Validates emotions These issues are explored Dreams Feeling afraid and lonely Body sensations Self-care Celebrating life Helping Children Heal has been researched and field-tested with children who have experienced loss. Included are Prompts that encourage drawing, writing, or talking about the deceased person Open ended sentences and questions about the person who died and the child's relationship with him or her Removable pages that address adults only A list of additional resources for adults Acid-free paper to minimize fading or discoloration due to aging A pocket for keepsakes A special Spiritually oriented edition is also available. For more information, contact Compassion Books.