All About Grief
What’s inside...
All About Grief explores the multifaceted nature of grief, examining its impact on emotions, relationships, cognitive function, physical health, and behavior. The book addresses common questions and concerns that preteens may have about grief, including its origins and the journey to healing. What is grief? Where does it come from? Will I ever be OK again? Grief is a normal, natural response to loss. Everyone experiences it in different ways. You can't avoid it. Grief can be hard to understand and difficult to talk about. Dr. Lora-Ellen McKinney, a psychologist who has worked with children experiencing grief, answers the big questions that surround feelings of loss. This engaging handbook looks at grief from many different angles, examining how it influences our emotions and relationships, our brains and bodies, and our behavior. Preteen readers will get to know when and why we are most likely to grieve, what purpose grief serves, and strategies for healing and finding hope moving forward.
Discussion points
How did the characters in the book express their feelings about losing someone?
Can you think of a time you felt something similar to what the characters felt?
What are some ways the characters found to feel better or remember their loved ones?
Why is it important to talk about our feelings when we’re sad?
How can we help someone else who is experiencing grief?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a comfortable and quiet environment to discuss the book's themes without distractions.
Listen actively and empathetically to your child's responses, validating their feelings and thoughts.
Share personal stories or experiences related to grief to help your child feel understood and not alone.
Encourage your child to ask questions and express their own ideas and feelings about grief.
Use examples from the book to guide the conversation, pointing out how the characters handled grief and what we can learn from them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and expressing emotions
Explanation: The book 'All About Grief' guides children through the complex emotions associated with losing someone or something they love, helping them to identify and articulate their feelings.
Real-World Application: By learning to recognize and express their emotions, children can better navigate their feelings and communicate their needs to others in real-life situations of loss or change.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: 'All About Grief' portrays different characters experiencing grief, showing that everyone's feelings of loss are valid and that grief manifests in various ways.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by showing empathy and support to friends or family members who are grieving, recognizing that each person’s grief is personal and unique.
Example Lesson: Resilience in difficult times
Explanation: The narrative follows characters as they learn to cope with their grief, emphasizing the importance of resilience and finding strength even in the darkest times.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with the mindset to face their own challenges and setbacks with courage and to persevere despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: The importance of support systems
Explanation: Through the story, the value of having supportive people around during tough times is highlighted, whether it's family, friends, or community members.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of seeking support when needed and offering the same to others, fostering a sense of community and collective care.
Example Lesson: Continuing bonds with the deceased
Explanation: The book introduces the concept of maintaining a connection with lost loved ones through memories and legacy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cherish and preserve the memories of their lost loved ones, finding comfort in their ongoing emotional presence in their lives.