Grief is one of the most complex emotions we experience as humans, and for children, it can feel even more confusing, overwhelming, and isolating. When a child loses someone they love, whether it’s a grandparent, parent, pet, or even a major change like a divorce or move, they often don’t have the tools or vocabulary to fully understand what’s happening inside them.
At Mindful Champs, we created My Grief Journal as a gentle companion for children aged 6-11 to help them explore and make sense of their emotions in a safe, empowering way. Developed by educators and tested by teachers, this journal is filled with thoughtful prompts, activities, and exercises specifically designed to support children on their grief journey at their own pace.
But why is something like this even necessary?
Let’s take a closer look at how children grieve and why supportive tools like journals can make a real difference.
How Children Grieve: What the Research Tells Us
Children process grief differently from adults, not just emotionally, but cognitively and developmentally. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and child bereavement researchers, a child’s understanding of death and their ability to cope with grief depends heavily on their age, maturity, and life experiences.
Here are a few important insights drawn from grief research:
1. Grief is not linear - and for kids, it’s often fragmented
Unlike adults who may grieve in longer emotional waves, children often move in and out of grief. One moment they may be playing, laughing, or acting "normal," and the next they may feel intense sadness or anger. This doesn’t mean they’re not grieving, it’s just their way of coping.
“Children tend to ‘puddle jump’ in their grief. They’ll dip into the puddle of sadness and then jump out again,” says grief specialist Julie Kaplow, PhD.
2. Children often express grief through behavior, not words
Younger children, in particular, may struggle to articulate how they feel. Instead, they may show signs of grief through irritability, withdrawal, clinginess, or even regressions like bedwetting. Without guidance, these behaviors may be misunderstood as acting out or “attention-seeking.”
3. Unaddressed grief can have long-term effects
According to studies published in The Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, children who do not receive adequate support after a significant loss are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues later in life.
This is why early, compassionate intervention is so critical, and why providing tools that allow children to explore grief safely is one of the most loving things we can do for them.
The Power of Journaling for Grieving Children
Writing and creative expression are powerful emotional tools, especially for children. Research has shown that journaling can reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and enhance a child’s ability to process traumatic experiences.
For children dealing with grief, a journal becomes more than just a book, it becomes a private, safe space where they can:
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Express emotions they don’t have the language for or know how to say out loud
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Reflect on memories and relationships
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Process their thoughts without fear of being judged
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Learn healthy coping strategies and emotional language
Why We Created Our Award Winning Grief Journal
Grief doesn’t come with a manual, but kids need support to navigate it in healthy, emotionally literate ways. That’s why we designed My Grief Journal with care, insight, and a lot of love.
Here’s what makes it special:
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Created by an educator and psychology graduate
Designed by our founder Nima, who brings real classroom experience and a deep understanding of child psychology, this journal is grounded in both practical and emotional wisdom. -
Undated and child-led
Children can open the journal whenever they feel ready. There’s no pressure to complete it daily, weekly, or even in order. The unstructured format respects the unpredictable nature of grief. -
Filled with meaningful prompts and activities
From drawing exercises to reflection questions, the journal helps children explore feelings like sadness, confusion, guilt, and even joy in a gentle, age-appropriate way. -
Created for ages 6-11
Every page is tailored to meet kids where they are, with age appropriate language and visuals they can understand.
Supporting a Grieving Child: What You Can Do
If you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, or mental health professional supporting a grieving child, your presence and understanding matter more than anything. You don’t need all the right words, you just need to show up with compassion, patience, and the willingness to listen.
Pairing your care with thoughtful tools like My Grief Journal can offer children a sense of agency and control in a time that often feels out of their hands.
Let’s Help Children Feel Seen, Heard, and Supported
Grief will always be a part of life, but how children experience, carry and grow bigger than their grief depends largely on the support they receive now.
By giving them the tools to express, reflect, and heal, we’re helping them build emotional resilience that can last a lifetime.