While grief is one of the most common human experiences, it remains one of the most complex. Let’s take a look at what grief is; simply put, grief is coping with loss. This loss could include coping with major events such as the death of a pet or loved one, divorce, or even experiencing a major move or loss of home. Even though each person’s experience with grief is unique, it can be one of the hardest things a child can face. The feelings of grief can be confusing, lonely, and heavy on a child’s heart. As a licensed professional counselor, I can’t stress enough the importance of having resources at hand for these difficult times in order to help them process and heal.
Today I want to share about a book designed to help children who are grieving. The book is comforting and brings positive hope for how we can make and cherish memories with those we love. The book follows a gentle narrative about two dear friends, Bear and his best friend Hare. Bear begins to feel lost, lonely, and like his world has turned upside down without his friend. A wise Calico Cat finds Bear and helps process his pain by remembering the fond memories they made. The message that the love and memories left behind never disappear is comforting. I highly recommend this book as a way to help children understand grief and find healthy ways to cope with loss.
You can find The Bear and The Hare on Amazon here. Please remember if your family is grieving beyond needing a hug, or book. It’s always a great idea to seek professional help; ask your pediatrician for a list of local therapists.
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