Australian families and communities have experienced significant change and loss following the drought, fires and floods that have defined 2020.

As the pandemic situation changes shape daily and we are required to adapt and change so rapidly, it is normal and natural for children, young people and adults to respond in unique and varied ways.

It is not surprising then, that some children, young people and adults may be finding it difficult to transition to home-based schooling and work, limited socialisation, and an upheaval of routine. Sometimes it is not until we move from the ‘doing’ to the ‘being’, that we recognise the impact of the change for ourselves and for others.

The impact of the uncertainty, change and loss can be felt in the present, and in the weeks, months and even years following, as individuals, families and communities make sense of what has happened, adjust to the changes, and recover and move forward toward a different future.

In the Seasons for Growth program run by Good Grief we use the metaphor of the ‘seasons’ to help children and young people understand the abstract experiences of change and loss.  The metaphor helps children and young people to understand the ‘ups and downs’ of life, that change will come and go (just like the seasons) and that no season lasts forever, not even winter.  The Seasons for Growth helps children and young people to recognise and adapt to stressful events as well as the ongoing challenges they may bring.  Good Grief supports local communities by training educators and health professionals to deliver Seasons for Growth in their local communities.

Children and young people rely on trusted adults to help manage transitions and so we have prepared an easy-to-read factsheet to support parents, carers and professionals:

Self-Care & Wellbeing: During Times of Uncertainty (PDF)

Please take a look at our Facebook page and the website for additional resources and email with any questions or suggestions if we can support you further.

Fiona McCallum
General Manager, Good Grief

Photo: Mother-and-son by cottonbro obtained from Pexels. Used with permission.