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Welcome to Rainbows' Caregiver Newsletter! Each quarter we pick a different grief topic to focus on. We hope that this quarterly issue will be helpful in your family's grief journey.

Have suggestions or want to feature your family's story? Direct all emails to info@rainbows.org.

Missed the last issue of the Caregiver Newsletter? Click the button below to check out our "Community Crises," issue. Otherwise, let's dive in!

Check Out Our Last Issue Here!

This Issue's Focus:

Back to School with Grief

For many kids and parents, back to school time is filled with excitement for the new possibilities the year might bring. But what does it mean to go back to school when your parents don't live together anymore, your friend moved away, or someone you love has died? Returning to school with this new companion, grief, can be challenging. This newsletter hopes to provide you with resources and a safe space to realize that you and your family are not alone through these complex transitions.

When a Parent Dies, What Will the School Year Look Like?

Many of the ways that losing a parent can effect your child's school experience may seem like common sense, but when you are navigating the loss of your spouse and trying to make sure your kids have their supplies and schedules figured out, things are bound to pop up that you might not have considered. Parent open houses, family tree exercises, and parent teacher conferences suddenly turn from moments to celebrate your child's academic progress to moments of hurt and confusion. Extracurriculars become bitter firsts: choir concerts without dad, first soccer goal without mom there to see, etc. This can take its toll emotionally on you and your kids as the school year starts. Especially if you haven't had the time to pause and think through a plan for these instances. Here is a resource that can help navigating a plan to get ahead of these events.

Back to School Tips for Grieving Families

"Back-to-School After Loss - What Grieving Parents Want You to Know"

This article from the perspective of a parent and family grieving the loss of a child or sibling. It outline's ways educators can support their students and families in and out of the classroom.

Read Here

The Rainbows Chats!

Season 2 of the Rainbows Chats is already underway! Check out this season so far and tune in on Tuesdays at 2PM CT for each episode's premiere.

Featured: Jennifer Bertino shares her experience as a school librarian running groups for the kids and their response to having a safe place to talk about the changes in their lives. Rainbows can help kids navigate these life transitions. Consider advocating to bring Rainbows groups to your local school system.

Watch "The Rainbows Chats" Here

Did You Know?

There are many activities you can do with your kids to support them while they navigate their emotions and provide an opportunity for honoring those that have died.

Here are some examples:

Letter Writing: Write a letter addressed to the loved one expressing gratitude, stories, or updates.

Memory Dinner: Host a Friends and family gathering to share stories of remembrance.

Memory Playlist: Kids pick a song that reminds them of that person and write or share why. Younger children can choose from instrumental or mood-matching music.

Comfort Box: Help students build a box filled with soothing items (photos, stuffed animal, fidget, calming scent) for moments when grief feels strong.

For other grief and loss resources visit our website at the link below!

Check Out Our Resource Pages

Featured Podcast Episode:

"Navigating Divorce and Blended Families"

Death is not the only major life loss that can effect kids returning to school. The big changes like a new house, a parent absent, and conflicting household schedules that accompany divorce are important to be aware of as the new school year starts. Check out this episode of "ACE-ing Grief," and hear advice and shared experiences from a divorce attorney and mother of a blended family.

Listen to the Episode

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Find a Group and Refer a Friend

Looking for a grief support group in your area, or want to get one started and know of a few good volunteers to recommend? Click the link below to search our new and improved map function or fill out our "Find a Group" form to see Rainbows' listings in your area. Interested in getting a groups started in your community? Email liz.falstreau@rainbows.org to start the conversation about what it takes to get a group started!

Find a Group

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