Helping Children Through Grief and Loss

By Natalie Scira

Supporting children through grief and loss can be particularly challenging. In times of personal grief, finding the right words may be difficult, and emotions can feel overwhelming—especially when you are navigating your own loss alongside your child. Children need support to navigate their grief, especially as their understanding of the world is still developing. Depending on their age and stage of development, they may struggle to grasp the permanence of death. In this blog, we share ways to support children through grief, while also honouring your own journey.

Be Honest and Age-Appropriate

While it is not necessary to share every detail, providing children with factual information helps them process their loss and feel secure in knowing that you are being open with them. Avoid using euphemisms like "they are sleeping," as this can create additional fears around bedtime and make it harder for children to understand the finality of death. If you have religious or spiritual beliefs, sharing them can offer comfort and help your child make sense of what has happened.

Welcome All Feelings

Creating a warm, accepting, and non-judgemental space allows children to feel safe in expressing their emotions. Pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues, tuning in to their feelings and needs. As parents, the instinct to shield children from pain is strong, but suppressing emotions can make the feelings more overwhelming. Validating your child's grief helps them to make sense of their feelings. You might say, "You're feeling so sad right now, and it's really hard. Saying goodbye to someone we love is never easy." Let them know you see, hear, and understand them.

Help Children Understand They Don’t Have to Feel Sad All the Time

Children may feel guilty when they experience happiness after a loss. Help them understand that it is okay to feel different emotions at the same time. Joy and sadness can coexist. By embracing moments of happiness yourself and naming these feelings when they arise, you model emotional resilience and show that it is possible to find joy even in difficult times.

Be Authentic in Your Own Grief

Children are perceptive and can sense when adults are masking their emotions. Being open about your own grief helps them feel less alone in theirs. While it is important to avoid overwhelming them with adult-sized emotions, acknowledging your sadness and reassuring them that you will be okay fosters trust and emotional security. If you need time to process your own grief, let them know, and take the space you need before returning to support them.

Find Ways to Honour and Remember Loved Ones

Encouraging children to commemorate their loved one can provide comfort and a sense of connection. Depending on their age, they may choose to write a letter, create a memory box, make a photo journal, or visit a special place they shared. If they are not ready, that is okay—let them know they can do so whenever they feel ready.

Use Stories to Support Grief and Healing

Books and stories are a gentle way to help children through grief and loss. Reading together in a quiet, safe space fosters connection and provides an opportunity to explore difficult emotions. Picture books such as The Invisible String by Patrice Karst or The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr can help start conversations about loss, giving children a framework to process their emotions through the experiences of the characters.

Be Kind to Yourself

Grieving a loved one is never easy, and grief does not simply disappear. Over time, however, the space around the grief grows, making it easier to carry. Supporting children through grief and loss requires patience, compassion, and self-care. By creating a safe and nurturing environment, you help them navigate their emotions and find a path toward healing.

Play Therapy and Counselling Services at Playroom Therapy

Playroom Therapy offers a range of services, including Child Play Therapy, Family Therapy, Parent Support, and Consultancy. With our compassionate and experienced team, children are supported to grow, heal, and develop through the transformative power of play. At Playroom Therapy, we’re here to help you and your children through grief and loss.

Let’s Connect.

If you and your child need support, get in touch with our friendly team at Playroom Therapy today to understand how we can support your child’s journey through grief and loss.