Comfort kits help children cope with grief

Noticing an increase in students experiencing grief in recent years, Rehoboth Elementary school counselor Renee Kosc has compiled comfort kits to help children cope with loss and provide resources for parents.

Kosc, who offers grief counseling at school, secured a nearly $500 grant from Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation in April to purchase items for 25 kits; by the end of the academic year, she had already given out four of them.

Kits include the book “The Memory Box,” a string and charms to make a memory bracelet honoring their loved one, a blank journal to record thoughts, tissues, the book “Love Finds a Way” with activities to do at home, crayons and coloring pages, and information and resources for parents.

Every Cape elementary school has a social worker, counselor and psychologist, said Kosc, noting the importance of a mental health team in helping students cope with issues and stress.

Noting that students also deal with parents going through a divorce, Kosc said maybe next year she can be approved for a grant to provide comfort kits for these children as well.