Helping Kids Walk Through Grief
When tragedy strikes, a friend suddenly passes or a family member passes, explaining the loss to your children can feel impossible. The words get stuck in your throat. The questions feel too big. And as parents, our instinct is to protect our kids from every hurt, to shield them from the heaviness we know this world can bring.
But the truth is, grief is part of love. It’s part of the story of being human. And helping our children understand and process their feelings — even the hard ones — is one of the most loving things we can do.
I’ve sat across the table from families who were walking through unimaginable loss, trying to hold their children’s hands while holding themselves together. I’ve seen the fear in parents’ eyes, wondering, “How do I talk about this without breaking them?” I’ve also seen the quiet strength that comes when parents give their kids the tools to process grief, and how it helps them feel safe, seen, and loved, even in sadness.
We can’t take away our children’s grief and we can't take away the loss, but we can walk through it with them, side by side. We can remind them that while loss changes our world, it does not erase the love we carry or the memories we cherish.
Today, I’m sharing practical, gentle ways to support your child during grief, along with book recommendations you can read together to open up conversations in an age-appropriate, comforting way.
If you are walking this road right now, please know you are not alone, and there is hope in helping your child learn that grief, while hard, is not something they have to carry by themselves.
Create a Safe Space for Questions
Children often process grief in waves, asking the same questions repeatedly. Let them know it’s okay to ask, to cry, or to feel confused.
Use Simple, Honest Language
Avoid confusing euphemisms like “went to sleep.” Instead, explain death in clear, age-appropriate terms to prevent fear or misunderstanding.
Keep Routines
Routines bring comfort in uncertain times, offering a sense of stability when everything else feels upside down.
Model Your Emotions
It’s okay to let your child see you cry or be sad, showing them it’s normal to feel and express grief.
Recommended Books to Read With Kids:
📚 “What Happens When Someone Dies” by Michaelene Mundy | Buy Now
A Child’s Guide to Death and Funerals
📚“Sad Isn’t Bad” by Michaelene Mundy | Buy Now
A Good Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing with Loss
📚The Invisible String” by Patrice Karst | Buy Now
Teaches kids that love connects us even when someone is gone.
📚”Ida, Always” by Caron Lewis | Buy Now
A beautiful, honest portrait of loss and deep friendship told through the story of two iconic polar bears.
📚 “Lifetimes” by Bryan Mellonie | Buy Now
The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children
📚 “The Memory Box: A Book About Grief” by Joanna Rowland | Buy Now
Encourages children to create memory boxes to remember loved ones.
📚 “The Memory Box: A Book About Grief” by Joanna Rowland | Buy Now
Encourages children to create memory boxes to remember loved ones.
Talking about grief with your child is hard, but it is also an act of deep love. If you’re navigating this season, know you’re not alone. At Ortego Law Firm, we believe in supporting families in every season, and we’re here for you.
Reach out today and let’s create a plan that gives you peace of mind and ensures your loved ones are cared for Contact Us Here or Give us a Call at 832-557-4593.
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