Good Grieving

Helping children and teens cope with loss and death

Good Grieving is a support program for children and teens ages 5 through 17, designed to help them learn how to cope with the death of a loved one.

Four sessions are offered throughout the year to help children through the normal grieving process and help them adjust to the loss. Children are grouped by age and participate in activities that are intended to promote expression of feelings, understanding of the loss, good coping skills, and memory preservation.

“This program brought my child better understanding. She wants to come back.” – Parent of a participant

For children

Children are encouraged to attend all four sessions. The child can begin with any session and work through the year and into the following year, if necessary, to complete the program.

For parents and caregivers

Our parent/caregiver/guardian’s program gives an introduction to the children’s program, offered on the same night. The purpose of the program is to improve communication with the child and increase the family’s understanding of their grief. Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend one session.

Both programs are FREE, and a meal will be provided.

2020 program dates and times

Out of an abundance of caution for the well-being of patients and team members due to concerns surrounding COVID-19, Good Grieving classes have been canceled for 2020. When we are able, we will publish new dates. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Children and teens

Registration/supper: 5–5:45 p.m.
Activities by age groups: 5:45–8 p.m.

Parents/caregivers/guardians

Registration: 5–5:30 p.m.
Program and discussion: 5:30–8 p.m.

Contact and registration

To register for the Good Grieving program, complete our online registration form.

Prior to the program, we will make contact with the parent/caregiver to conduct a telephone interview. This information is used to gather background information about the child's understanding of death, individual grief reactions and ways in which the family has helped the child cope. Personal information about the child, including circumstances of the death, methods of coping, special concerns and the child's understanding of the program will also be assessed.

For more information, contact program coordinator Christy Fink at 803-434-5658 or Christine.Fink@PrismaHealth.org.

Participants are required to register for each session.