The health and well being of our communities-and indeed our world-depends on how we care for the millions of grieving children in our midst. Sadly, an estimated 30% of Canadian children have experienced the devastation of divorce, separation, abandonment or death of a loved one. The greatest impact of a family crisis is on children's self-esteem. When unresolved, a child's grief can have devastating consequences.
- 91% of child suicides
- 90% of runaways
- 85% of child behavioral problems
- 80% of adolescents in psychiatric facilities
- 78% of young offenders
- 75% of chemical abuse center occupants
- 71% of school dropouts
- 65% of teen pregnancies
Staggering, isn't it? Yet most parents think their children are doing just fine. Appearances can be deceiving. The fact is 100% of children are affected by a family crisis.
At a time when they need the security and stability of the family unit the most, many children are torn apart by grief, uncertainty and parental conflict. Everything they've known, trusted and counted on is either gone or changed. Some lash out. Some withdraw. Some become driven. Most do their best to bury their pain, anger, confusion, fear, sadness and guilt down deep, where it won't hurt.
Unfortunately, this isn't working very well.
The RAINBOWS series of programs is designed to minimize such devastating consequences by promoting healing, understanding and acceptance of life changes. When people with similar experiences, feelings and fears come together to share their grief, they realize they are not alone. Equally important, they come to understand that it's okay to grieve, and that grief is an important part of the healing journey. Through discussions, games, art and other activities, participants develop the verbal communication, behavioral and emotional skills necessary to cope with painful life changes and everyday issues in a positive manner.
- 46% of all Canadian children who live in poverty live in single-parent families
- 20% of Canadian children have a learning, emotional or behavioral problem due to changes in their family system
- 40% of Canadian youth live in non-traditional families
- children of divorce are 7 times more likely to suffer from depression in adulthood!
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