BEGIN WITH THE MOMENT IN FRONT OF YOU
WHAT DO YOU NEED RIGHT NOW?
I WANT TO UNDERSTAND
Age-aware context for behavior, questions, play and big feelings.
I NEED SOMETHING TO DO
Simple printables for checking in, remembering, and planning ahead.
A GENTLE PLACE TO BEGIN
CLEAR WORDS CAN FEEL KINDER THAN VAGUE ONES.
Children tend to fill in missing information on their own. Simple, concrete language gives them something steady to return to—and makes room for their next question.
A SIMPLE STARTING SENTENCE
“Someone died. Their body stopped working, and they cannot come back.”
Then pause. Add only the detail the child is asking for, in small pieces.
WHAT GRIEF MAY LOOK LIKE
CHILDREN SHOW GRIEF IN CHILD-SIZED WAYS.
A child may move in and out of grief quickly. Play, laughter, repeated questions, irritability, or seeming “fine” can all be part of how a developing mind takes in loss.
YOUNG CHILDREN
AGES 4-6
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May ask the same question many times.
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May expect the person to return.
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Often communicate through play and behavior.
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Need short, concrete explanations and reassurance.
SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN
AGES 7-12
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May want facts but worry about upsetting adults.
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May notice unfairness, guilt, or changes in routine.
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Can move between sadness and ordinary play.
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Need honest answers and choices about participation.
ADOLESCENTS
TEENS
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May seek privacy while still needing connection.
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May grieve through anger, withdrawal, humor, or action.
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Often turn to peers as well as trusted adults.
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Need respect, directness, and invitations without pressure.
REMEMBER:
Age ranges are guides, not rules. Development, temperament, culture, relationship, and the circumstances of the death all shape what a child needs.
ONE USEFUL NEXT STEP
CHOOSE THE TOOL THAT FITS TODAY
Each printable is free to download. Begin with one; leave the rest for another day.
MY FEELINGS CHECK-IN
1 PAGE
A quiet place for noticing and naming what is present today.
MEMORY JAR PROMPTS
3 PAGES
Simple prompts for remembering a person, pet, or shared moment.
HARD DAYS & SPECIAL DATES
2 PAGES
A gentle plan for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and meaningful firsts.
