Supporting Our Children Through Grief and Loss

Hold space for sadness, and show kids they are never alone

Grief can be a heavy and confusing emotion—especially for children. Whether they’re mourning the loss of a beloved pet, a close friend, or a family member, children often need guidance and reassurance to make sense of their feelings. While adults may understand that grief comes in waves and takes time to heal, children may feel overwhelmed by emotions they don’t yet have the words for.

1. Welcome Open Dialogue Encourage your child to talk about what they’ve experienced or heard. Staying silent or avoiding the subject won’t shield them from it—more often than not, they’re already processing it through conversations with peers or exposure elsewhere. Giving them a safe place to talk allows them to feel supported and less alone in their feelings.

2. Explore Their Thoughts First Begin by asking gentle, open questions like, “What do you know about what happened?” or “How are you feeling about it?” Listening first gives you insight into their understanding and feelings, and helps you offer guidance that’s more meaningful and appropriate.

3. Speak with Honesty and CareChildren need truthful answers, but those answers should be delivered in a way that suits their age and emotional capacity. Use simple, clear language and focus on comfort, offering just enough information to help them feel secure and understood without overwhelming them.

4. Limit Media Exposure and Prioritize ConnectionIt's easy to become absorbed in news and social media updates. While staying informed is important, too much exposure—especially for kids—can increase anxiety. Model healthy habits by turning off screens and spending time together instead.

5. Invite Their Questions Let your child ask what they need to. You don’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes, simply being there to listen is the most important thing you can do.

6. Validate Emotions Without Rushing Through ThemLet your child know it’s okay to feel sad, scared, or angry. Share your own feelings too, and show them that emotions are natural and will shift with time. Give space for those feelings to be seen and heard.

7. Reinforce Connection and SupportLet your child know that they are not alone. Remind them—and yourself—that being close to others during hard times can offer comfort and stability.

When words fall short, presence matters most.

8. Lean on Structure and Routine

Return to daily routines as soon as possible. Familiar schedules provide a sense of normalcy and reassurance. Let your child know that there are systems in place to keep people safe, and that the grown-ups are doing their job.

We cannot shield our children from every painful truth about the world. But we can help them understand that even in a world that holds sorrow, there is also kindness, beauty, and love.

Having honest, compassionate conversations with our children deepens trust and strengthens our bonds with them. When we encounter the worst parts of life, we must reach for the best in ourselves.

Give your child a hug. Let them know they are loved. In moments like these, love remains our greatest strength—and our clearest path forward.

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#Children #ParentSupport #Well-being #Childtherapy