Buddy's Place: Childhood Grief and Bereavement Support
Grief is not a problem to be solved but a journey to be navigated. There is no timeline for grief, no neat stages to pass through, and no simple way to “get over it.” Grief is a profound and personal experience, especially for children, who may struggle to express or even understand their emotions.
Understanding Childhood Grief
Children's grief is a significant and often overlooked experience. An estimated 1 in 12 children in the U.S. will experience the death of a parent or sibling before they reach the age of 18. Over 5.2 million youth will become bereaved, and that number more than doubles by age 25 to 13.2 million. All too often, children are forgotten grievers. Some feel they are not old enough to feel loss. But if a person is old enough to love, then that person is also old enough to mourn and to grieve.
Support for Children's Bereavement at Buddy's Place
Since 2000, our Buddy’s Place childhood bereavement program has offered family-based support groups to children and teens ages 4-18 and their families who are grieving the death of someone significant in their lives. As a dedicated children's bereavement program, we are committed to providing a safe, accepting, and supportive environment where everyone can express their grief and connect with others in a group setting. There is no charge to attend the programs offered by Buddy’s Place.
Buddy’s Place offers a range of services tailored to the unique needs of grieving children. Our programs include:
Monthly Gatherings
The Buddy’s Place Monthly Gathering group meets on the second Monday of each month to work together on a creative, grief-related project. These gatherings are an important part of our grief support for children, offering them a space to process their emotions through guided activities. Note: You do not have to attend the 8-Week Session to attend Monthly Gatherings.
8-Week Sessions
Buddy’s Place offers an 8-week support group each spring and fall. While children and teens engage in goal-oriented activities that are age-appropriate, parents and caregivers participate in a group focused on understanding children’s grief and how to better help the children work through it. Our approach ensures that both children and their families receive the comprehensive grief support they need and deserve.
As there is no limit to grief, families may take advantage of the program whenever they need it. Click here to download the Buddy's Place program registration form.
Reach out to Buddy’s Place today
Resources for Childhood Bereavement
- Access grief-related resources, including books, articles, and YouTube videos, through our Buddy’s Place resource board.
- Buddy’s Place Pinterest board.
- Buddy’s Place is a member of the Association of Death Education and Counseling and the National Alliance for Children's Grief.
- A number of organizations offer grief support and bereavement-related summer camps. Click here for a list.
Support Children Through Their Grief
Buddy’s Place is dedicated to offering free grief support for children and their families, but we rely on community support to continue our mission. There are several ways you can help:
Donate
Buddy’s Place services are free of charge thanks to the support of the Lyons Township Mental Health Commission and gifts from individuals, churches, foundations, clubs, organizations, and businesses. Please consider giving a tax-deductible donation today.
Volunteer
Volunteers participate in training to help grieving children, teens, and their families in a variety of ways, including Greeter, Group Facilitator, and Childcare through Buddy’s Place. By volunteering, you play a direct role in providing grief support for children and ensuring that Buddy’s Place remains a comforting and supportive space for all who need it. Programs take place on Monday and Tuesday evenings, so it is important for volunteers to have availability at those times. Learn more about volunteering.
Attend an Awareness Event
Every November, we observe Children’s Grief Awareness Month, a time to focus on the unique needs of grieving children. We host various awareness events and activities throughout the month, and we invite you to participate.Stay tuned to our calendar each fall to learn about awareness events and activities.