Children and Grief: How to Help Kids Grow Through Grief
As adults, we grieve differently than children. We have the ability to process our emotions through language, reflection and experience. Children, on the other hand, often express grief through behavior, play or silence. Their understanding of loss evolves as they grow, and they rely on the adults around them to help them make sense of their feelings. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher or family friend, your support can make a lasting difference in how a child experiences and grows through grief.
Grief and Loss in Childhood
Children experience grief and loss in ways that can confuse, overwhelm and deeply impact them. Unlike adults, children often lack the language or emotional tools to express what they’re feeling. They may revisit their grief as they grow, especially during developmental milestones. Through it all, children need consistent support and reassurance to help them safely process loss.
Grief Activities for Kids
One of the most effective ways to help children process grief is through age-appropriate activities. Simple and creative activities can help children express themselves through play, allowing them to find comfort with these new feelings. Here are a few easy grief activities for kids:
Memory jars: Fill a jar with written memories, drawings or small keepsakes.
Feelings collage: Use magazines or drawings to create a collage of emotions.
Storytelling: Encourage kids to write or tell stories about their loved one.
Grief journals: Provide prompts like “I miss…” or “I remember when…” to help them express their feelings.
These activities offer children a safe outlet for their emotions, helping them feel seen and heard.
Children’s Grief Awareness Day
Observed every November, Children’s Grief Awareness Day is a time to recognize the unique needs of grieving children, and an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of grief support for kids and the resources available to families and caregivers.
Organizations like the Dougy Center, NACG (National Alliance for Children’s Grief) and SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) offer valuable grief resources for children, including toolkits, support groups and educational materials. Participating in Children’s Grief Awareness Day — whether by wearing blue, sharing stories or hosting events — can help normalize grief and build community around healing.
Tips for Supporting Children Through Grief
Supporting a grieving child starts with presence, patience and honesty. Consider these tips when supporting a child through grief:
Use clear language: Avoid euphemisms like “gone to sleep” or “took a trip.” Be honest and age-appropriate.
Validate their feelings: Let them know it’s okay to feel sad, angry, confused or even relieved.
Maintain routines: Structure provides a sense of safety and normalcy.
Encourage expression: Whether through talking, drawing or playing, let them express grief in their own way.
Seek support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to grief counselors or child-focused grief organizations if you feel stuck or unsure of how to help.
Remember, grief doesn’t follow a linear path nor does it have a set timeline. It’s okay if a child seems fine one day and upset the next. How children learn to navigate grief can influence how they process difficult and traumatic situations in the future. Your consistent support can help them grow through grief, not just get through it.
Recommended Grief Resources for Children
If you’re looking for grief resources for kids, we recommend the following trusted organizations:
SAMSHA’s National Helpline: Offers confidential support and referrals.
Dougy Center: Provides grief support programs and materials tailored for children and teens.
NACG: Offers professional resources and community support for childhood grief.
We also recommend exploring the For Grief Bookshop, where we feature books specifically curated to help children and young adults navigate their grief.
Supporting children through grief means showing up with compassion, patience and a willingness to listen — you don’t have to have all the answers. By recognizing how children grieve, offering simple grief activities and utilizing trusted resources, you can help young hearts heal and grow in a healthy way. Healing is possible, and with the right support, children can move forward with resilience and hope. For more tips on how to support grieving children, check out our guide for adults.