How to Talk to Your Kids About Loss—When the World Feels Scary and Sad

As a mom and host of the Momplex Podcast, I know how heavy grief can feel, especially when it touches our children. In this episode, I share my own journey navigating loss and offer practical ways to help our kids process grief. I believe in being honest with our children—using clear, simple words like “death” and “died,” rather than vague phrases that can confuse or scare them. I encourage letting kids ask questions and expressing that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Modeling healthy ways to process emotions, like crying or journaling, shows our kids that feelings are safe and normal. Most importantly, I remind them—and myself—that they are loved and safe, and that we’ll figure things out together. Supporting our children through grief not only helps them build resilience, but also heals parts of ourselves. We are the exact parents our kids need, right now.

Resources:

• The Invisible String by Patrice Karst (for younger kids)

• When Dinosaurs Die by Laurie Krasny Brown

• Dougy Center’s Kid Grief Resources

• National Alliance for Children’s Grief

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