This resource assists adults in navigating the challenging task of explaining death to children. Learn how to address tough questions and break down the complex topic of death into easily digestible information. The resource also offers age-appropriate language for explaining various causes and types of death, including murder, overdose, suicide, kidney failure, aneurysm/stroke, cancer and heart attack.

This resource offers insights into common grief reactions experienced by individuals of all ages, including children, teens and adults. It highlights a wide range of emotional, cognitive, physical and behavioral responses to loss, emphasizing that these reactions are natural and understandable. Learn more about the feelings, thoughts, body reactions and behaviors that are commonly associated with grief.

This resource helps caregivers understand why it is important to talk about death with children and offers insight on how to discuss it. It emphasizes the benefits of truth-telling for children’s development and offers practical insights, including maintaining control, creating a narrative and addressing feelings of fault.

This resource offers guidance for caregivers and families facing the challenge of discussing the true cause of a loved one’s death with children. It highlights the importance of telling the truth, emphasizes the benefits of open and honest communication and provides reasons for choosing this path to support grieving children.

This resource offers guidance on explaining the concepts of physical and mental illness, genetics, and communicable diseases to children who may be concerned about catching an illness after the death of someone special. It emphasizes the use of concrete language and encourages open communication with children, allowing them to ask questions even when answers may not be readily available. Read about simple explanations of the concept of illness, how to reassure children about their safety and well-being and tips to validate their feelings while maintaining age-appropriate language.

How are you really doing? A loaded question for people who are grieving

This week, a simple question from the beloved red monster Elmo sparked a global conversation about mental well-being. In a new post from Micki Burns, Ph.D., Chief Clinical Officer and Incoming CEO of Judi’s House, she takes a closer look at Elmo’s question and examines why open communication is essential for supporting grieving children.

Read on to learn more about how resources like Sesame Workshop‘s new grief resources (which launched in partnership with the New York Life Insurance Company Foundation’s this week) and Judi’s House can create the safe space for dialogue that is critical to supporting grieving children.

This guide includes insight into how children of different ages (infant through age 18) understand the concept of death and the common reactions to the death of a parent or sibling. Learn age-appropriate strategies for discussing death with kids and how to help them cope with their grief.

This resource provides guidance on recognizing and supporting grief in infants and toddlers, emphasizing the importance of observing their physical and behavioral cues. It offers clear explanations of death using age-appropriate language and practical strategies for caregivers to help young children cope with their grief.

This resource addresses the challenges that grieving young adults face during their transition to adulthood. It provides practical strategies for understanding and supporting grieving teens/young adults, including the importance of connection, social media awareness, identity affirmation, and building a strong support system. This guide also encourages respectful listening and suggests seeking additional grief support in your local community when needed.

This resource addresses the unique challenges faced by grandparents who find themselves raising grieving grandchildren due to the unexpected death of their own child. It explores the disrupted life timeline, the impact on both grandparents and grandchildren, and the need for open communication and consistency in parenting. This guide emphasizes the importance of self-care for grandparents, encourages them to acknowledge their own feelings, and offers suggestions for building a support network and connection with younger parents.

This resource addresses caregiver burnout, which can affect those caring for children who have experienced a death loss. It explains the manifestations of burnout, including physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, and offers guidance on recognizing its symptoms. It provides practical steps to cope with burnout, such as seeking resources and respite, engaging in meaningful self-care, developing coping skills and connecting with others in similar situations.

This resource provides practical guidance for individuals and families navigating grief during the holiday season. It encourages reflecting on traditions, offers planning tips and emphasizes the importance of remembering loved ones during this time. Discover how coping strategies, such as relaxation and play, can bring comfort and healing during the holiday season.

After a friend has experienced the death of a special person, kids often want to offer support but may not know how. This guide helps children understand how they can support a grieving friend. It explains the concept of grief and normalizes the range of emotions associated with it. The resource encourages kids to be there for their grieving friends by offering various forms of support from listening and sharing memories, to playing together, or simply giving a hug.

If your friend or loved one is grieving, it can be difficult to know how best to support them. This guide offers suggestions on what to say and how to offer help to a grieving friend. It also includes information grieving families often say they want other people to know.

It can be difficult to find the right words when talking to a grieving child. This guide identifies hurtful statements and offers alternative, helpful comments that can lead to supportive conversations.