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Peninsula Kids
Home»Parenting Articles»COVID-19 and the 7 stages of grief
Parenting Articles

COVID-19 and the 7 stages of grief

Updated:August 11, 20215 Mins Read
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By Kim Norton

You know that feeling you have in the pit of your stomach? Your stomach seems to drop, you gasp to take a breath, you breathe in only to realise that feeling does not go away. You feel numb, like you are on auto pilot. You go through the motions not sure how, or why you are doing what you do. You smile on cue. You carry on. You are grieving.

You grieve for loss. The loss of a loved one, a job, a relationship, a holiday, a promotion, a birthday party, an ideal, your perceptions, your health, your freedom. Grief knows no boundaries. There are no time limits and there are no rules. It is unique in its intensity and in its voracity. Grief just “is”.

We have listed “The 7 Stages of Grief” model which outlines how grief might be affecting you and your family during this time. Keep in mind that as there are no rules to grieving, you may move up and down between each stage or you may work through each stage in order.

1. Shock and Denial

The stage of disbelief that usually accompanies that numb feeling, that feeling in the pit of your stomach that lets you know all is not well. That feeling of disbelief. “How can this be happening?” “This is not real” “I will be fine; it won’t affect me”.

2. Pain and Guilt

The shock starts to wear off and you have an overwhelming sense of pain. The pain can be physical or emotional or both. You may try to hide it, or avoid it with alcohol, food or drugs.

You feel guilty for not completing that course, tidying that cupboard or playing with the kids whilst you have all of this extra time on your hands during isolation. Frustration starts to creep in. Children’s behaviour may regress as they try to make sense of what they are feeling; they may become clingier or more needy.

3. Anger and Bargaining

You become angry at the situation. “Who let this happen?” “Who is to blame?” Conspiracy theories abound. Isolation starts to take its toll; relationships are tested and may start to break down. Our kids may start to feel more anxious and as a result of that high anxiety, they too start to feel angry. “Why do I have to stay home?” “Why is he allowed out?”

You start bargaining with yourself and your kids. “We only have to stay home for a few weeks, then we can go out again”.

4. Depression, Reflection and Loneliness

Reality hits with a thud. A time of reflection, of memories and of loneliness in a time of isolation where you are isolated from friends and extended family. A stage where you go through the motions, a stage where you “fake it till you make it”.

The auto pilot stage.  You may react by sleeping in, having more frequent “pyjama days” and/or isolating yourself from other household members. Our teens are particularly prone to all three.

5. The Upward Turn

You start to adjust to your current situation. Your physical and emotional symptoms start to lessen, and you feel a little calmer. The yelling subsides. You start to appreciate the time you have, and the opportunities afforded to you in isolation.

Time that was not there pre-COVID, the time that has allowed you to rediscover your kids and to foster stronger relationships.

6. Reconstruction and Working Through

As your mood improves and your anxiety lessens, you regain the use of your functional mind and are able to manage your time and emotions more effectively. You start to work through the financial problems associated with this time. You go about setting up your “school from home” and/or “work from home” schedules. Life becomes more routine and organised. A new “normality” starts to take place.

7. Acceptance and Hope

You accept that this is your life, at least for now. The pain and sadness are still there but have lessened in degree and have made room for hope, for joy and for plans post-COVID-19 isolation/restrictions.

During this time of COVID-19 we are all grieving to some extent. Understanding the 7 stages of grief and how to work through them will help us to cope and to move forward, to not become stuck in any one stage or in any one frame of mind for too long. If you feel like you might be “stuck” or you need someone to talk to, please reach out and seek the services of a counsellor or psychologist who can help you develop some personalised strategies.


Kim is the founder of Rainbow Light Therapies and is a Holistic Counsellor specialising in stress and anxiety management for kids, teens and adults. Kim provides a unique, intuitive and individualised therapy approach through individual, small group and family counselling sessions both online and at her studio in Langwarrin. Also working with special needs kids, Kim runs sessions and workshops for people of all abilities on various topics throughout the year.

Please see www.rainbowlighttherapies.com.au for more information.

Peninsula Kids – Spring 2020

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Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? LEGO Star Wars™ Chopper (C1-10P) Astromech Droid Suitable for 10+ – Create a playful display featuring a lovable astromech droid Chopper (C1-10P) with this LEGO® Star Wars™ buildable model kit with a buildable figure of Chopper, as seen in Star Wars: Ahsoka™. Move the lever on his back to remotely activate his iconic head movements, pose his arms and legs, fold out a tool from his chest, and more. Choppers arms and his center wheel are detachable so he can be displayed as if his arms and wheel have been retracted into his body. Suitable for 10+. RRP: $179.99 https://www.lego.com/en-au **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER HERE VIA LINK IN BIO
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Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Little Jellies Swimwear Assorted – Size 4 Bright. Bold. Bursting with personality. Little Jellies is the new Australian swimwear label on a mission to make water play safer and more joyful for little ones and a little less stressful for parents. The brand is redefining safety-focused swimwear for safe, active summers. Little Jellies caters to children aged 6 months to 6 years. The collection includes baby swimwear, rashies, sun tops, surf suits, mix-and-match separates, and bucket hats—each made with a snug-but-stretchy fit, UPF50+ sun protection, and quick-dry technology. https://www.littlejellies.com.au/ @little.jellies.swim We have a Long sleeve rash shirt in pink, briefs in purple, and yellow surfsuit all size 4 to give away valued at $139.85 **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER HERE VIA LINK IN BIO
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Get your skates on (or hire some of theirs) and get down to Sk8house in Carrum Downs for good old-fashioned family fun this school holidays. They’re OPEN EVERY DAY with General Sessions, Skate Classes and Birthday Parties, plus by popular demand, they’re also running Sensory Sessions every Friday morning! Find out more: https://www.sk8house.com.au/ @sk8houseau
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Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Kidhy – hydra helpa Say hello to hydra helpa; the debut product from kidhy, a new Australian brand on a mission to help solve the common challenge of getting kids to drink enough water. Scientifically formulated just for children, hydra helpa is an alternative to sugary drinks and adult electrolyte drinks. The delicious water infusions are packed with electrolytes for hydration, plus prebiotics and probiotics to support gut health. hydra helpa is available now in a three kid-approved flavours: Apple & Raspberry, Pineapple & Coconut and Orange & Passionfruit. RRP $49.95 for packs of 30 sachets. kidhy silicone drink bottles are also available for $29.95. hydra helpa + drink bottle bundles are available for $69.95. Available online at https://kidhy.com/ @kidhy.co **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
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Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

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The LEGO® Group and Asmodee, a leading entertainment company specialising in tabletop games, have announced their second jointly-crafted board game. LEGO® Brick Like This! is a fun family party game where teams race to finish their LEGO® models. One teammate describes a LEGO® model while the other teammate builds it. Communication and collaboration are key in this fun and fast-talking LEGO® building party game!

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Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? LEGO Brick Like This! The LEGO® Group and Asmodee, a leading entertainment company specialising in tabletop games, have announced their second jointly-crafted board game. LEGO® Brick Like This! is a fun family party game where teams race to finish their LEGO® models. One teammate describes a LEGO® model while the other teammate builds it. Communication and collaboration are key in this fun and fast-talking LEGO® building party game! Work together in pairs to build your LEGO® model first! Can you build with your eyes closed? With one hand? How about talking without being able to say numbers or colors? No two games will be the same. Designed for ages 8+ (and perfect for creative adults too) and available from EB Games: RRP: $40.00. **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER HERE: https://peninsulakids.com.au/spring-2025-things-we-love-giveaway/
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Need a super fun activity to keep the kids active and off screens these school holidays? Acro Kids full day programs in Mornington and Braeside are the ticket. Kids will learn wicked acro and parkour skills and make heaps of new friends. Don’t miss out on the fun (and some time to yourself) book now to avoid disappointment – https://www.acrokids.com.au/school-holiday-program/ @acrokidsau #schoolholidays #springschoolholidays
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Mambo Australia Family Pack
The Ultimate Family Spring Giveaway with Mambo!
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Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Mambo Australia Family Pack The Ultimate Family Spring Giveaway with Mambo! From bold-printed suitcases and insulated lunch boxes to roomy backpacks, comfy sandals and playful sunnies, this capsule has everything the family needs for their next holiday. Designed for boys and girls, with the apparel ranging in sizes 7-16 and footwear available in sizes 13-6, perfect for packing light and dressing right from head to toe. The prize pack will include the following for the winning family: 2 x each – backpacks (kids), water bottles (kids), lunch boxes (kids), pencil cases (kids), overnight bags (adult), hats (adult), beanies (adult), stubby holders (adult) valued at over $300. Selected products available from Big W. @mamboaustralia **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER HERE: https://peninsulakids.com.au/spring-2025-things-we-love-giveaway/
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Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Plonkit The Plonkit solves an age-old Aussie problem – where to safely and conveniently “plonk” down your belongings when you’re outside. Made from recyclable plexiglass materials, it easily and securely connects to a glass fence, providing a sturdy place to plonk down all the essentials – drinks, sunnies, phones, snacks, speaker, sunscreen – with no worries. Functional and stylish, Plonkit helps you make the most of your balcony. Plonkit Balcony Table for framed glass fence RRP $199.00, with free shipping Australia-wide. https://plonkit.com.au/ @plonk.it **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER VIA LINK IN PROFILE.
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Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

LeapFrog LeapMOVE
This one-of-a-kind gaming system combines education and entertainment with movement like never before, blending learning with motion via full-body gameplay!
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Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? LeapFrog LeapMOVE This one-of-a-kind gaming system combines education and entertainment with movement like never before, blending learning with motion via full-body gameplay! https://www.leapfrog.com/en-au/home **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER VIA LINK IN PROFILE.
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