RARITAN TWP., NJ – An art program for children who have experienced the loss of a loved one is being sponsored by Hunterdon Hospice.
The Youth Art Bereavement Program is for children ages kindergarten through 12th grade. The 12-week series will be held every Thursday evening beginning Feb. 7 from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at the Senior Center, 4 Gauntt Place, Building 1 (off Route 31 South) here. The fee for the program that runs through May 2 is $75 per family.
The Youth Art Bereavement Program is sensitive to the differences of a child’s response to death and loss. Children use the creative medium of art to explore and express their grief. The program focuses on teaching children healthy coping skills in dealing with their grief. Since art therapy does not necessarily rely on verbal communication, a child who is shy or not able to articulate their feelings can work through their grief by using art.
Children are assigned to groups based on their developmental age. Being with peers who have had similar experiences normalizes the grief process. Through this interaction children learn to empathize with others, which can give them insight into their own pain. Listening and observing other children’s expressions of grief may also help them openly express their …
