Building on our previous blog on grief (posted here),  which laid the foundation for understanding grief in children, this post will focus on strategies to help children cope with grief. Specifically, we will explore the importance of the language we use and the supportive educational environment we must create.

What are some creative activities to manage emotions?

Creative activities support emotional well-being by offering a safe space for self-expression and emotional release. They provide a means to externalize feelings that may be difficult to articulate, allowing individuals to communicate complex emotions through a non-verbal, yet deeply expressive, language.

Drawing, painting, and sculpture allow us to channel feelings through color, form, and texture, while photography offers a fresh perspective to reframe emotional experiences. Collage-making provides a visual outlet for thoughts and emotions, and creative writing or poetry helps explore feelings through words. Dance and movement therapy release tension and express emotions non-verbally, while music and songwriting connect with and release deep emotions, whether through creating or listening.

Grieving children: how do we communicate with them?

Sometimes, children are too young to initiate creative activities on their own, and in these cases, caregivers have the responsibility of guiding them in understanding the concepts of death and loss, their emotions, and how to cope with them. Below are the key principles to follow when communicating with grieving children:

Be honest: the language we use plays a crucial role. Euphemisms are not the best when talking about death. It is understandable to tend to be less direct when bringing up “death” with children. However, they are very literal and hearing that someone “went to sleep” can be confusing or even frightening. Not only can this create a fear of bedtime, but it also hinders their ability to understand and cope with loss in a healthy way, a crucial skill for their emotional development.

Encourage emotional expression: reassure the child that it is okay to feel sad, angry, or confused. Create a safe space for them to talk about their emotions, and offer alternative ways to express themselves, such as through art, play, or writing.

Be prepared to answer questions: children may ask difficult questions about death, and it is important to respond with honesty, while considering their age and ability to understand. If you do not have all the answers, it is okay to say, “I’m not sure, but we can figure it out together.”

Normalize Grieving: help children understand that grief is a natural and healthy response to loss. By sharing your own feelings in an age-appropriate way, you show them that it is okay to grieve and that they are not alone in their emotions.

Age Appropriate Language: depending on the age of your child, use the language and choose words that are easily understandable. Death is an abstract concept by itself and using a simple, age appropriate language will take away from the heaviness of the topic.

Last but not least, watch for signs of deeper distress: while most children will gradually process their grief, some may experience more intense or prolonged emotional struggles. Be alert to signs such as severe anxiety, regression (e.g., bed-wetting), or withdrawal, and seek professional support if needed.

What are some children’s grief resources?

Supporting grieving children requires access to specialized resources that can guide both children and caregivers through the healing process. We reviewed and included some of the resources as below:

The Children’s Grief Foundation of Canada

A nonprofit organization that supports grieving children and families. It offers programs, resources, and a safe space for children to express their grief and develop healthy coping skills. The foundation’s mission is to raise awareness of the unique needs of grieving children and provide the guidance and support necessary to help them navigate loss.

Kids Grief 

An online resource offering support and tools to help children and families navigate grief. With expert guidance and age-appropriate resources, it helps children understand and cope with loss in a healthy way.

Children and Youth Grief Network

A Canadian organization focused on supporting grieving children, youth, and families. It connects families with local grief programs, offers valuable educational resources, and advocates for the specific needs of young people experiencing loss. The network’s mission is to raise awareness of the emotional impact of grief on children and youth, ensuring they have access to the support they need for healing and growth.

The Invisible String (by Patrice Karst):

A comforting children’s book that gently explains love and loss. Through the story of a mother and her children, the book uses the metaphor of an “invisible string” to show that no matter where we are or what happens, the love we share with others always connects us. This is an ideal read for helping young children understand grief and the enduring nature of love.

I Miss You: A First Look at Death (by Pat Thomas):

A thoughtful and accessible book for young readers. Through clear, simple language, it helps children understand loss and the emotional challenges of missing someone. This book also offers practical guidance for parents and caregivers supporting children through grief. Ideal for families, classrooms, or counseling settings, it is a compassionate tool for navigating difficult conversations about death.

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf (by Leo Buscaglia):

A gentle and heartfelt story, it helps children understand the cycle of life and death through the experiences of Freddie, a young leaf. With its simple yet powerful message about love, loss, and the natural flow of life, this book offers comfort and insight for young readers facing grief. Ideal for families and educators, it provides a compassionate way to discuss difficult topics with children.

How can art therapy help in coping with grief?

Grief is a complex and deeply personal experience that requires a multi-dimensional approach to healing. While online resources and organizational events can provide valuable support, one of the most effective and scientifically proven methods is therapy—especially art therapy. 

Art therapy offers a unique, non-verbal outlet for individuals, both children and adults, to express the complex emotions associated with grief that may be difficult to put into words. Through creative expression, individuals can explore their feelings in a safe, supportive environment, allowing them to process their grief at their own pace. 

This approach not only helps externalize difficult emotions but also fosters self-awareness, emotional resilience, and healing. By combining traditional talk therapy with the power of creativity, particularly art therapy, individuals can navigate the grieving process in a more holistic and effective way.

At the Therapedia Centre, our team of licensed art therapists and psychotherapists are dedicated to helping individuals navigate their emotions through creative expression. We offer specialized art therapy services to support those coping with grief and other life challenges, providing a compassionate and effective way to heal.

If you are facing a difficult life experience and would like to seek professional support, please don’t hesitate to contact us here: Admin@TherapediaCentre.com – 416-877-0137

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Written by: Linxuan (Skyler) Li