Grief is hard enough for adults to process, but for children, it can feel overwhelming and confusing. They may not yet have the words to describe how they feel, leaving parents wondering how to help. But even when words are hard to come by, there are ways to encourage healthy emotional expression and healing.
Why Expression Matters
Grief is a complicated mix of emotions—sadness, anger, confusion, guilt, and even moments of happiness can coexist. For kids, bottling up these emotions often leads to feelings of isolation or behavioral changes. Giving your child tools to express their grief helps them process what they’re experiencing in a way that feels safe and manageable.
Tips to Help Your Child Express Their Grief
Here are practical steps you can take to encourage your child to open up about their feelings:
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Make Conversations Safe and Judgment-Free
Kids need to know it’s okay to talk about their feelings—even the messy or confusing ones. Let them know you’re there to listen, not to fix or judge.- You can start with open-ended questions like, “What are you feeling today?” or “Is there something on your mind you’d like to share?”
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Use Creative Outlets
Not every child feels comfortable talking. Art, music, writing, or play can be powerful ways for kids to process their emotions. Provide them with tools like crayons, journals, or building blocks to explore their feelings in nonverbal ways.- For example, “Would you like to draw a picture of a memory with [name]?”
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Encourage Movement and Play
Physical activity can help kids release pent-up energy and emotions. A simple walk, dancing to music, or playing outside can open the door to more relaxed, natural conversations. -
Share Stories and Memories
Encourage your child to share memories of the loved one they’ve lost. This might include looking through old photos, telling funny stories, or making a scrapbook together.- This reminds children that it’s okay to remember and celebrate the person they’ve lost while still grieving.
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Provide Age-Appropriate Resources
Books and movies about loss can give children a framework for understanding grief. These stories show them that they’re not alone in their feelings and help normalize the grieving process.- Be prepared to discuss the themes afterward to help your child process what they’ve learned.
Recognizing When More Help Is Needed
Every child grieves differently, and it’s normal for their emotions to ebb and flow. However, if you notice prolonged withdrawal, intense anger, or major behavioral changes, it might be time to seek support from a counselor or therapist who specializes in grief.
The Role of Patience and Love
Grief is not something to “fix”—it’s something to navigate, and it takes time. Your patience and unconditional love provide the foundation for your child to feel safe and supported as they process their emotions.
By giving your child space to express themselves and validating their feelings, you’re teaching them that grief, while painful, is a natural part of life—and that healing is possible.
At Jurni, we're working to bring these themes of grief, healing, and hope to life through an animated short film inspired by our story. If you’d like to support this project, please visit our Kickstarter campaign or learn more on the Jurni website. Together, we can create something meaningful for families navigating their own journeys.