Kits to Help Kids with Grief & Anxiety
Talking to kids about big emotions can be difficult, especially when you're searching for the right words to help them feel understood. As parents and caregivers, you play a vital role in helping children navigate their mental and emotional health. To help make it easier to open the conversation, Burlington Public Library now offers two new tools designed to support families: Mindfulness Kits and Grief Kits.
Mindfulness Kits Help Ease Anxiety & Worry
Developed in collaboration with Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) in Burlington, Mindfulness Kits are specially designed to help children cope with feelings of anxiety and worry. These kits provide a hands-on approach to managing emotions through engaging activities and trusted resources. Each Mindfulness Kit includes:
A picture book: Carefully chosen to help children understand and process their feelings in an age-appropriate way.
An accompanying activity: Designed to encourage mindfulness and help children discover healthy ways to manage their emotions.
Information resources for caregivers: Providing guidance and strategies to support children’s mental health effectively.
Everything you need to complete the activities is included, making it easy to sit down together and talk. By fostering mindfulness, these kits empower children to face their worries with confidence and calm.
Grief Kits Support Kids Through Loss
When it comes to grief, children understand and process dying and death differently than adults. Recognizing this, we’ve collaborated with Lighthouse for Grieving Children in Oakville to develop Grief Kits for families. These kits are designed to help parents and caregivers support children dealing with the mental and emotional challenges of grief and grieving. Each Grief Kit contains:
A picture book: Thoughtfully selected to address grief in a way that kids will understand.
An activity for children: Encouraging self-expression and helping them process their feelings in a creative and constructive way.
Caregiver resources: Offering insights and tools to guide conversations about loss and provide comfort during tough times.
These kits are a compassionate starting point for supporting children through one of life’s most challenging experiences. By addressing grief openly and honestly, we can help children feel less alone and more supported.
Borrow a Kit
Library members can borrow a Grief or Mindfulness Kit for 21 days with the option to renew up to three times unless someone else is waiting for it. Each member can borrow one of each kit at a time and place up to two holds per kit type.
To view the library's complete kit collection, select RESOURCES on BPL’s website main menu and look under Books & Beyond > Kits. Connect directly to kits in the catalogue or select More Info to read about each kit.
Working Together
Big feelings like anxiety and grief are part of life, and it’s okay to ask for help when navigating these emotions with your child. Mindfulness Kits and Grief Kits offer practical, meaningful support for families, ensuring you have the tools you need to guide your child through their emotions. Together, we can create moments of connection, understanding, and healing.
