Join us for a free Parent Education Class on Supporting Children Through Grief and Trauma for Parents and Caregivers on November 9 from 8:30 – 10 am.

In this community moment of fear and immigrational trauma it is important to understand how we may see signs of stress, loss and trauma in a child’s behavior.  Grief is not limited to death.  Signs of grief can show up in every change we face—moving, having loved ones move away, family transitions, the loss of routines, or the shift to something new.  Even joyful changes carry an element of loss. For young children, these moments can shape their emotional development, relationships, and sense of safety for years to come.  Whether working with children navigating everyday changes, or profound loss, participants will leave with insights and tools to build emotionally responsive environments that validate and support grief in all its forms. The developmental stages and responses of/to grief and developmentally appropriate ways to support children and the adults that care for them (who may or may not also be grieving) will be discussed. 

Tracy Patton is a nationally recognized early childhood consultant, joyful “mess maker” and the founder of Once Upon Some Messy Fun, LLC, with more than 25 years of experience working with EC staff, young children and their families. Tracy inspires educators, empowers family caregivers and nurtures children’s social-emotional growth through interactive workshops built on the belief that “all feelings matter” and that engaging all our senses through play, storytelling and laughter are not just fun, but powerful tools for building self regulation skills, strengthening relationships and shaping positive learning environments.

This free parent education session is made possible through a grant from the Oak Park Township and River Forest Township Youth Services Committee. 

Please pre-register for you and your children for this free event through the registration form below.