The Quiet Safe House
Suggested Groups: Young/Middle
Purpose: To help children clarify for themselves what 'safe' looks like, feels like, and times they need that kind of place. To explore how children manage intense feelings of sadness and fear. In addition, to explore what a safe place to take these feelings might look and/or feel like
Task/need: Approaching the pain of the loss, living on the grief spiral
Activity Setup Ideas:
- Begin the discussion of sad and scared feelings. Ask the group what they like to do when they feel sad.
- List these suggestions on the board.
- Then ask if they ever feel the need to have a quiet place where they can be by themselves. What might that place look like?
Materials:
- Large cardboard box (appliance box, etc) (precut door & window flaps)
- Paint, paintbrushes & paint shirts
- Butcher paper
Description: Explain that they are going to create a "safe house" to be used in their group room. Cover the floor under the box with butcher paper, and allow the group members to decorate the box with paint. Encourage the group members to discuss the activity as they are decorating the box.
Other uses of the house: Other groups also used the safe house, but for them it might become a space ship or a time capsule. The children generally wished to return to the time before the person in their family died.
Activity Wrap Up Ideas:
- Thank the children for their contribution to the box and ask for their suggestions on how it might be used during the rest of the session.