During the years since we began offering GriefShare, our program for grieving adults, we’ve identified a largely unmet need in Muncie: supporting grieving children. In May of 2022, the Muncie community launched SHIFT at Commonway Church, a curriculum written by Watermark Church specifically for grieving children. SHIFT is available for students in grades 3-12.
WHY SHIFT?
The name refers to the upheaval, like a seismic shift, kids typically experience when death has claimed a loved one. Statistics show one in five children will lose a loved one or friend before the age of 18.
Over the years, we have found that widows and widowers with children will hold off seeking help for their own grief because they are hoping to find a solution that will meet the needs of the whole family. The alternatives, thus, are secular programs or Christian counseling, which, for some, can be cost-prohibitive.
Many children have difficulty opening up to peers or school counselors because loss makes them feel different at a time in their lives when they desperately want to fit in.
HOW DOES SHIFT WORK?
Youth meet with peers, 3rd – 5th graders together, 6th – 8th graders together and 9th – 12th graders together. The class material is adapted to each age group. These are further divided by sex. Two adults will mentor each small group.
Each two-hour session features small-group discussion time, play time, craft time, game time, and teaching time.
Each week the kids receive a short lesson to guide them through some insight on grief from scripture and some questions for reflection to discuss the following week.
At pick-up, parents receive a summary of the material their child covered that evening and some ideas for initiating dialogue during the week between sessions.
ARE AGE GROUPS DIVIDED BY BOYS AND GIRLS?
Yes, small groups are divided by gender and age range. We gather as one group for projects and activities.
IS SHIFT ONLY FOR THOSE DEALING WITH GRIEF RESULTING FROM THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE?
SHIFT is for children and teens dealing with the death of a loved one. If your child/ward is processing a different kind of loss (impending loss of a loved one because of a terminal illness, loss of a pet, loss of a parent because of abandonment or divorce), please let us know. You can contact shiftmuncie@gmail.com and we will try to guide you to a ministry that will be in a better position to encourage them through this loss.
DOES THE CHILD NEED TO HAVE A PERSONAL RELATION WITH JESUS BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN SHIFT?
No. Jesus is the foundation of what we do, but we welcome all levels of faith.
CAN A CHILD JUMP IN AT ANY TIME?
Children are welcome to join up through the third week. After that, we will ask a child to wait until the next session due to group dynamics and comfort sharing.
WHAT IS THE COST?
Due to the generosity of the Muncie Community, there is no cost to attend SHIFT.
WHAT IF A CHILD LOST SOMEONE CLOSE MULTIPLE YEARS AGO?
If a child needs grief support following the death of a loved one they are welcome, no matter when the loss occurred.
HOW DO PARENTS KNOW WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING?
Each week, when youth are picked up, parents are given a parent guide to explain what was learned and give some suggestions for conversation during the week.