08/25/2026
When a child experiences a loss, many adults worry about saying the "right" thing. In reality, children often need honesty, consistency, and a safe space to ask questions more than they need perfect answers.
A few ways to support a grieving child:
๐ Use clear, age-appropriate language.
๐ Encourage questions and answer honestly.
๐ Let children express their emotions in their own way.
๐ Maintain routines when possible.
๐ Reassure them that all feelings are welcome and okay.
Books can also be powerful tools for helping children understand and process grief. Some favorites recommended by our grief counselor, Micaiah Blanchard, include:
๐ Why Do Things Die? by Katie Daynes
๐ Lost in the Middle โ New York Life Foundation
๐ The Golden Sweater โ New York Life Foundation
๐ The Fishless Lake โ New York Life Foundation
๐ The Girl with the Locket โ New York Life Foundation
Looking for additional support? The National Alliance for Children's Grief offers helpful resources for families, caregivers, and professionals: https://nacg.org/
Every child's grief journey is unique, and compassionate support can make a meaningful difference. ๐
The NACG raises awareness about the needs of children and teens who are grieving a death and provides education and resources for anyone who supports them