“When Something Terrible Happens” by Marge Eaton Heegaard is a sensitive and practical guide that helps children understand and cope with grief following a traumatic event or loss. Using simple language and interactive activities such as drawing and storytelling, the book encourages children to express their emotions in a safe and supportive way. It is designed for use by parents, caregivers, and professionals working with children to help them process their feelings of sadness, fear, and confusion.
How It Can Be Used
-
Explaining Grief: The book helps children understand what grief is and why they may feel strong emotions like sadness, anger, or fear after a loss. It reassures them that these feelings are natural and normal.
-
Encouraging Expression: Through creative activities such as drawing and writing, children can express their feelings and thoughts about the event. This provides a safe outlet for emotions that might be difficult to verbalise.
-
Support for Adults: The guide also serves as a helpful tool for adults—parents, caregivers, and professionals—offering insight into how children process grief and how best to support them through difficult times.
-
Building Resilience: By using this book, children can learn healthy ways to cope with loss and trauma, building emotional resilience that will serve them throughout life.
This book is ideal for families, social workers, counsellors, and educators working with children who have experienced loss or traumatic events. It provides a compassionate and accessible approach to grief, tailored specifically to children’s needs.
