RAINBOWS™ is a 14-week peer support program for elementary-aged children who have experienced a significant loss.
Grieving children need to have a caring adult to guide them through their grief. Even those who appear to be coping are often struggling inside with the churning, conflicting emotions of grief. The bereaved need and deserve someone they can talk to and trust; someone who will listen to their story while guiding them through the grief process.
Problems arise when children are not able to express their grief verbally. Their parents are suffering as well, and may be unable to initially support them. This grief surfaces in children's behavior, academics, physical and/or emotional well-being.
RAINBOWS™ was created to provide children with an opportunity for healing after their painful loss. When children with similar experiences, feelings and fears come together to share their grief, they realize they are not alone. Through discussions, games, art and play, trained facilitators guide children in developing verbal communication, behavioral and emotional skills. These skills enable children to cope with painful life changes and everyday issues in a positive manner. In time, children learn to let go of their grief and to support each other.
How does RAINBOWS™ benefit children?
It helps children to:
- increase awareness of feelings - naming, acknowledging, expressing, and managing them
- prevent destructive behaviors
- reduce depression, anxiety, and stress
- improve school attendance and academic performance
- manage anger
- learn appropriate coping mechanisms
- encourage positive behavior
- feel accepted by their peers
- develop and strengthen problem-solving skills
- develop positive goals for themselves
- set a positive direction during their journey toward reconciling their loss
- express their grief in confidence
- share personal stories in a safe environment
- understand how to communicate verbally and through listening
- learn how to be compassionate to others
- use a journal to write or draw feelings for understanding and release
- increase self-esteem
- attain better physical health
- communicate better in peer and family relationships
- meet new friends who have shared experiences
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