Change and loss are part of life, and grief is a normal response to these losses.
However, it can be really hard for children and young people to cope with change and loss and to express their feelings. They may not want to upset other members of the family and don’t acknowledge how they are feeling, but their behaviour can tell a different story. Common grief reactions in children may include: - grieving in doses, for example, crying one minute, then playing the next - changes in eating, sleeping and behaviour patterns - being angry, frustrated and restless - lacking concentration and energy at school
Joining a group and working through the Seasons for Growth program can help children to talk about what has happened and to become more resilient.This program is suitable for children that have experienced a loss in the family, have gone through separation or divorce, or have experienced other significant loss or change in their life.
The program offers children a safe place to come together in small groups, and share their experiences. Participants learn that they are not alone in their experience of loss, change and grief, and learn skills that help them adapt. The program incorporates a wide range of age-appropriate activities involving drawing, role-play, stories, discussion, playdough, music and journal activities.
Seasons for Growth programs are led by trained facilitators and take place during school time for approximately one hour per week. Seasons for Growth programs run at Katikati Primary School, Waikino School, Waihi Beach School, Waihi East and Waihi Central School. This program is free for participants.
What people say about the program: “I’ve learned that bad things won’t last forever” 8 year old boy "Having other people with the same problem to talk to has really helped" (12 year old girl). "I'd like to think my son wasn't affected by the divorce but I know he was. The program has helped him to know that it happens in other families too" (Parent) “I learned how to cope with feelings and not to bottle my anger up” 12 year old boy “I can feel sad. Every feeling I have is normal” 10 year old girl
Seasons for Growth was established in Australia in 1996 and is now used internationally. The programs are evidence based, and numerous external evaluations over the years have continued to affirm the positive benefits of the programs for those who participate in them. Since its launch in Katikati in 2013, over 500 children and young people have participated in Seasons for Growth programs in Katikati, Pahoia, Waihi, Waihi Beach and Waikino.