Caring for Kids is a monthly article series brought to you by the early childhood education experts in Child and Family Care and Children’s Centers.

When a child faces the heavy weight of grief, the world can seem a bleak place. It's a profound challenge for both kids and the adults who love them. Christine Snyder, Director of Child and Family Care, shares a comforting reminder: “In times of sadness, transition, and uncertainty, young children look to the trusted adults in their lives for support and reassurance. Opportunities to cuddle, play, talk, and simply connect will be essential to helping children cope with loss. Feeling loved, secure, and acknowledged can provide comfort during difficulty.”

5 Tips to Support Kids Coping with Loss

Here are a few straightforward, heartfelt tips for parents and caregivers to help little ones navigate through their loss:

1. Be There and Just Listen

Children value a listening ear as they work through their feelings. Sometimes, they may not want to talk. Other times, they may have many questions. Either way, being there for them makes a world of difference.

2. Stick to Routines

Keeping to a familiar schedule provides comfort and a sense of normalcy when everything else feels uncertain.

3. Encourage Expression

Give children creative outlets such as drawing, writing, or playing music. These can be gentle ways for them to express their emotions when words are hard to find.

4. Remember the Happy Times

Encourage reminiscing by sharing happy memories around the focus of their grief.. It can be healing to remember the good times, too.

5. Know When to Seek Help

As Christine Snyder advises: “In addition to engaging in the bond you have with a child(ren) in your life, it is essential to determine when you or your child may need additional support from a professional to cope with loss, grief, or intense feelings of sadness.” Don't be afraid to reach out to a counselor or child psychologist for guidance.

Helping children through loss isn't about grand gestures; it’s about the simple, loving acts of being there and making sure they feel heard and cared for. With our gentle support, the young ones in our lives can learn to heal their hearts moment by moment. 

Suggested Resources to Learn More

• Helping Children Cope With Grief - Child Mind Institute
• Helping Children Cope With Loss | Mental Health America
• When a Loved One Dies: How to Help Your Child (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth
• Helping Young Children Grieve and Understand Death | NAEYC
• Resources on Death for Young Children, Families, and Educators | NAEYC
• Helping Toddlers Cope with Grief and Death | ZERO TO THREE.
• Discussing Death With Young Children | ZERO TO THREE