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Family Resources and Support
Healing from loss is a collective journey. Explore our curated selection of videos, therapeutic activity sheets, and research-backed articles designed to help families and caregivers find strength and connection throughout the grief journey.
Helpful Videos
Helpful Videos
All videos & activities are updated regularly, visit our Library for our archive.
Grief Counseling with Kids
Grief Counselor Quenby Gallahan explains how to be there for your children after experiencing a loss.
How Children Process Grief Differently Than Adults
Peter Attia, M.D. hosts a real mother experiencing the loss of her husband and father of her children on his podcast.
Self-Regulation Tools
2-minute grounding reset
A short pause to help calm your nervous system during emotionally intense moments.
This exercise can help you feel more present and steady before moving forward.
When emotions feel overhwelming
Grief can bring waves of emotion that feel difficult to manage or understand.
These tools are designed to help you slow down, regulate, and respond with greater self-compassion.
Before responding to your child
Children often look to caregivers for emotional safety, even during difficult moments.
Taking a brief pause before responding can help create calmer, more supportive conversations.
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Use simple, honest language that matches their age
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It’s okay to say “I don’t know” to difficult questions
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Reassure them that their feelings and questions are welcome
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Avoid rushing to “fix” sadness or change the subject
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Let the conversation happen gradually over time
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Stay calm and present, even if emotions feel intense
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Validate the feeling before trying to problem-solve
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Give space for crying, anger, silence, or confusion
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Offer comfort through presence, not just words
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Remember that strong reactions are a normal part of grief
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Your presence matters more than perfect wording
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Simple responses like “I’m here with you” are enough
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It’s okay to pause and take a breath before responding
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You can acknowledge that this is hard for you too
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Listening quietly can sometimes be the most supportive response
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Communication Support
Ages 3 - 6
What to expect:
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May ask the same questions repeatedly
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Can move quickly between sadness and play
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May not fully understand permanence of death
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Increased clinginess, bedtime fears, or regression can occur
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Big emotions are often expressed through behavior rather than words
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How to suport them:
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Use simple, honest language
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Maintain familiar routines when possible
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Offer reassurance and physical comfort frequently
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Encourage expression through play, drawing, or storytelling
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Be patient with repeated questions and changing emotions
Ages 7 - 12
What to expect:
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Greater understanding of death and permanence
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May worry about safety, family, or future losses
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Can experience guilt, anger, or difficulty concentrating
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Grief may appear through irritability or withdrawal
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Emotions may come in waves and change day to day
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How to suport them:
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Encourage open conversations without pressure
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Validate emotions instead of trying to immediately fix them
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Help them maintain connection with supportive adults and peers
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Create safe opportunities for remembrance and expression
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Reassure them that grief can look different for everyone
Ages 13 - 18
What to expect:
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May struggle with identity, control, or emotional isolation
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Grief can appear as anger, numbness, withdrawal, or risk-taking
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Some teens may avoid discussing emotions directly
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Peer relationships may become especially important
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Emotional reactions may feel intense and unpredictable at times
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How to suport them:
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Respect their need for space while remaining emotionally available
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Avoid forcing conversations before they are ready
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Encourage healthy coping tools and supportive routines
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Listen without judgment or immediate problem-solving
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Remind them they do not have to navigate grief alone
Family Connection Activities
Memory Jar
Activity:
Write down favorite memories, funny moments, or things you miss on small slips of paper and place them in a jar together.
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Why it Helps:
Encourages shared remembrance and creates opportunities for connection over time.
Walk and Talk
Activity:
Take a quiet walk together outdoors with no pressure to have deep conversations.
Why it helps:
Movement and shared presence can help children and caregivers feel calmer and more connected.
Family Ritual
Activity:
Light a candle, share a story, look through photos, or listen to meaningful music together.
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Why it helps:
Creates a safe and consistent space for remembering and expressing emotions.
Bake Together
Activity:
Prepare a favorite meal, snack, or recipe as a family.
Why it helps:
Shared routines and sensory activities can bring comfort and emotional grounding during grief.
Comfort Box
Activity:
Fill a small box with comforting items such as notes, drawings, photos, or favorite activities.
Why it helps:
Gives children and caregivers a tangible source of comfort during emotionally difficult moments.