Resources for Supporting Children with Grief
I’m spending this week as a volunteer with Camp Millie, a four-day camp for kids ages 6-14 who are grieving the loss of an immediate family member. While I don’t currently work with children in my practice, I often get asked about resources for kids, so this week seems like a perfect opportunity to share some information.
To start, I recommend everyone take a few minutes to read “Ten Tips for Supporting Children Who Are Grieving.” Even if you aren’t currently supporting a child after loss, you never know when it might help to understand more. This article gives a good overview of how we can provide meaningful support to the kids in our lives who are grieving.
My go-to resource for kids and families is The Dougy Center, which has an extensive library of free resources for children and families who are grieving. There are resources for parents, kids, teens, young adults, and those who support them (e.g., community members, counselors, teachers), as well as toolkits and resources that speak to specific losses (e.g., suicide, violent death, advanced serious illness).
If you’re looking for a collection of resources, here are Dougy Center links to libraries which include relevant articles, podcast episodes, and free downloadable activities:
You can also visit The Dougy Center’s bookstore to purchase recommended journals, books, and videos, listen to the Dougy Center’s podcast Grief Out Loud, and use their worldwide program directory to find support for children and families near you.
While The Dougy Center’s library is extensive, if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can also check out The National Alliance for Children’s Grief for resources and information.
If you’re supporting a child who is grieving, I hope these resources are helpful to you. I’m sending love your way and also sending a reminder that one of the best things you can do to help the grieving children in your life is to tend to your own grief and to seek out support. Take gentle care of yourself.
