Grief group for children to begin meeting

Kids dealing with the loss of someone they care about will have a place to get some extra emotional support this fall.

Later this month, Hospice of North Idaho will begin hosting Pathways for Kids and Teens, a free, eight-week grief group for 7- to 16-year-olds.

"As summer break comes to a close and the busyness of the school year begins, it's important to remember that kids and teens who are grieving the loss of someone close to them may benefit from additional support," said Hospice of North Idaho Bereavement Counselor Rachelle Smotherman, in a press release.

Pathways' goal is to offer a safe place for youngsters to connect with peers while working through grief under the supervision of trained professionals, states a press release.

The group will provide this support to participants by the use of talking circles, hands-on activities and age-appropriate information regarding the grief process.

According to Smotherman, stressors brought on by grief - fear, loss of concentration and increased illness - can challenge the wellbeing and school performance of children and teens, especially as they are under pressure to grow socially and academically. Relationships can be impacted as well, since grieving children and teens tend to feel different and very alone while still desiring to appear "fine."

"Seeing friends go about their 'normal' lives can also be a daily reminder of their own loss. With all of these challenges, it's especially important that grieving kids and teens be given additional support and the opportunity to connect with other kids who are also working through grief and loss," Smotherman said.

Hospice of North Idaho's grief group will be divided into two age groups and will be facilitated by the nonprofit's bereavement counselors and trained volunteers. Pathways for Kids and Teens meets every Monday for eight weeks, from 4-5:30 p.m. Sept. 30 to Nov. 18. A parents' informational meeting will be held from 4-5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23. The meetings will be held at Hospice of North Idaho's office in Hayden, 9493 N. Government Way.

For more information, call Rachelle Smotherman or Angee Murillo at Hospice of North Idaho, 772-7994, or visit www.honi.org.