Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse - Helping Kids Understand Grief and Change

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The Chesapeake Mermaid team extends our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by the tragic incident at The Francis Scott Key Bridge.

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HELPING KIDS UNDERSTAND GRIEF AND CHANGE

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse brought many changes to our lives, and it's normal to feel uncertain about what comes next. But change can also bring new opportunities and experiences. Here are some ideas and free downloads to help your family navigate through change together.

There are limited resources to discuss this traumatic experience with children in ways that are developmentally appropriate and provide both understanding as well as comfort. Educators, healthcare providers, social workers, and all professionals serving families and children are welcome to utilize and distribute The Chesapeake Mermaid's resources and developmental tools. These resources are designed to assist them in their important roles.

A child holding a plush shark sitting on the Chesapeake Mermaid's lap

Living in the Chesapeake region includes encountering bridges and tunnels as regular features of daily life. There might be fear of the darkness within tunnels, heights of the bridges, or fear of the water. Children may experience many different emotions and are not always able to express how they feel, which can be frustrating. Let's work through these feelings together.

CHANGE IS NATURAL

Change is a part of life, just like how a tiny seed grows into a beautiful plant or how the seasons bring new adventures. Even simple changes like the colors of a traffic light help things run smoothly. Let's talk about some changes we've experienced and what good things came from them. What are we excited about for the future?

GRIEF IS NORMAL

Sometimes, change can make us feel sad, angry, or confused. We might miss our old routines or favorite places. It's okay to feel these big emotions, even if things seem okay. Remember, everyone grieves differently and that's okay. We can feel sad and happy at the same time, and it's okay to laugh and have fun too.

CHANGE CAN HELP US GROW

Even though change can be hard, it helps us learn and become stronger. We might learn to speak up for ourselves or be more compassionate towards others. Think about how you've grown from big changes in the past and share those stories with your children.

Encourage your child to think about ways they've grown and repeat after you: "I am changing, learning, and growing every day." Together, we can embrace change, understand our feelings, and grow stronger as a family.

DOWNLOAD COLORING AND ACTIVITY SHEETS

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SHARE YOUR IDEAS WITH US

At The Chesapeake Mermaid, we deeply appreciate our teams and partners involved in our events, and we're eager to hear your input. If you have suggestions or needs that aren't currently addressed, please don't hesitate to get in touch. While we may not always be able to fulfill every request immediately, we are committed to continuously evolving to better serve you and our community. Reach out and share your thoughts with us today!