Clara Harper

By Clara Harper

As parents, facing the challenge of helping our children cope with the loss of a loved one or pet can feel overwhelming. Grief is complex, and even adults struggle with its waves. So, how do we help our kids find a sense of peace and resilience in times of loss? Research shows that honesty, patience, and supportive listening can go a long way in nurturing their healing journey.

1. Encourage Open Dialogue
   Encouraging children to talk about their feelings can be one of the most powerful ways to help them cope. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, allowing children to ask questions openly about death helps them process their feelings, even if the answers are difficult. It’s okay not to have all the answers—just letting them know they can talk freely is often enough.
2. Create a Ritual of Remembrance
   According to Psychology Today, rituals—such as planting a tree, creating a memory box, or lighting a candle—give children an outlet to express their emotions. This process allows them to keep the loved one’s memory alive in a healthy way, creating a lasting sense of comfort.
3. Allow All Emotions to Flow
   Children need to know it’s okay to feel a wide range of emotions, from sadness to anger, and even happiness when remembering their loved one. Experts from the Child Mind Institute suggest letting children know that all these feelings are normal, giving them the reassurance that their grief is uniquely theirs and does not need to follow a set timeline.
4. Encourage Creative Expression
   Art, writing, or play can be helpful ways for children to work through grief. According to the National Alliance for Grieving Children, creative activities give kids a way to express emotions that may be hard to put into words. Even a simple drawing of a cherished memory or a written letter can be healing.
5. Provide Reassurance and Consistency
   Losing someone often creates uncertainty, so keeping daily routines in place helps children feel secure. As recommended by the American Psychological Association, sticking to familiar routines while offering plenty of affection provides a sense of stability that can make all the difference.

And now, a little news I’m thrilled to share! I’m excited to announce a new book series alongside the My Inner Monster series called I Can Overcome. This new series is devoted to tackling tough topics, starting with grief. The first book, I Can Overcome My Sadness, will help children see that, while grief is painful, remembering those we’ve lost can fill our hearts with love, warmth, and resilience.

I’m so excited to bring this resource to children and families everywhere, and I’m thrilled to announce that I Can Overcome My Sadness will be available on November 25th! To celebrate its release, I’ll be offering free Kindle copies for the first five days—if you’re interested, I’d love your honest review!

Visit my website for updates and resources, and thank you for joining me on this journey to bring comfort and understanding to young hearts in times of need.

Looking forward to sharing this book with you all!