After his wife died in 2016, Justin Bowen wanted to create a resource for Schools based on the caring support his young children received from their local School in Worcestershire. Be The Rainbow is that resource.

His young daughter painted the rainbow on the book's front cover during lockdown, which Justin says gave both his children the chance to play at home - water fights in the garden, climbing trees - and not be defined by their grief. The rainbow represents the hope after the storm of grief. What a stunning metaphor!

We often hear the phrase, 'time is a great healer', but Justin believes that healing comes through engaging with our grief, not just by allowing time to pass by. As adults, this means being emotionally agile enough to hold our children when they are engaged in their grief puddles.

For busy Schools, Justin has translated this into a practical and accessible 3 step formula:

1/ Take a systematic approach to bereavement in School settings.
2/ Make a simple plan.
3/ Deliver the plan.

Remember that grief isn't linear, so keep the plan under review. A child's needs will change as they develop and grow. What a 5 year old child needs will be different when they are 8 or 9. What remains constant for children are the important anniversaries. Remembering those is key to helping children feel their grief is being respected and their loved ones remembered.

About Justin

Since becoming a widowed parent in 2019, Justin has written two books. The first, 'Fighting for this Life', tells the story of his family's journey with cancer as told through the Facebook posts his late wife wrote during her illness. His most recent book, 'Be The Rainbow', is a practical guide for professionals supporting bereaved children in primary schools. 

Prior to becoming a writer, Justin had a 20-year career working in public services, including leading a Youth Offending Team and managing a residential home for children who had experienced abuse. He also ran his own business for over 5 years.

Justin has two children, aged 8 and 9 years old.

Connect with Justin

https://betherainbow.co.uk/

Twitter: @justinbowen71
Facebook: @betherainbowbook

Connect with Amanda Seyderhelm

Visit my website to download my free eBook 10 Simple Play Therapy Techniques You Can Use To Help Your Child With Grief, Loss and Change

If you are supporting a bereaved child, or know someone who is, you can purchase my books - Isaac and the Red Jumper (for 4-10 yr olds) and Helping Children Cope with Loss and Change

@TheKidDecoder on Twitter
@amandaseyderhelm on Instagram and LinkedIn

Help shape the content of my podcast - Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"The Heping Children Smile Again podcast has been massively beneficial in helping me unlock how to open discussions with a child going through bereavement – thank you Amanda!."  <-- If that sounds like you, please do rate, review, follow and share my podcast. Your feedback helps shape the content and allows me to support more people battling grief.