Showing You Care
Comfort a grieving child by showing him you care.
There are so many ways to show children that you care and that you are “there with them” through the grieving process.
Listen
Let kids know you’re truly listening. When a child is ready to talk, stop what you’re doing, sit down, and look at them. Listen to their words, and try to sense the feelings behind the words, too.
Hope
Have children trace around one hand. Within the outline of each finger, they can write about or draw something they are looking forward to (or you can write it for them). Start small: hearing the first “ribbit” of frogs in the spring, starting a new grade, learning to ride a bike.
Laugh
Start a laugh-a-day club. Let one child be responsible each day for telling a silly story, sharing a joke, or just making a funny face that everyone else can copy.
Talk
If children need help talking about feelings, use markers and paper plates to make some “feeling faces”: sad, mad, worried, happy. The faces can be good conversation starters (“When do you feel this way?”).
Connect
Help kids connect to the loved one they have lost. Encourage them to think of qualities they share with their deceased parent (“I have Dad’s smile,” “Mom was a great singer, like me”).
Cry
Let kids know it’s okay to cry and that grown-ups do, too (you might say something like “I’m thinking of Dad, and missing him makes me cry. But I’m still here for you.”).
Grief and Change Caused by COVID-19
It’s okay to have feelings of grief when we experience changes big and small.
When Kids Need Special-Special Comfort
In the midst of big changes, comfort items such as small stuffed animals and blankets can provide a sense of continuity in a child’s life.
Celebrating Together: Tips & Tools for Providers
Celebrating all that we’ve accomplished together can help us feel thankful and proud.
Many Right Ways: Exploring Quality in Family Child Care
Take an interactive course to explores many ways you can offer high-quality child care to young children.
Circles of Care
An interactive course that equips providers to better identify and support family, friend, and neighbor caregivers (FFNC’s).
Taking Care of Myself
Watch this webinar to recharge and stock your self care toolkit with tips and tricks to try when stress sneaks in.
Our Hands
When it comes to family, everyone can reach out to help.