Children's Grief Awareness Month: Why it Matters

When a child experiences loss, their world changes. But too often, the world around them doesn’t seem to notice. Grief in childhood can be quiet and confusing. It can look like anger, distraction, silliness, or even nothing at all. But underneath, there’s a deep need to be seen, understood, and supported.

Every November, we recognize Children’s Grief Awareness Month – a time dedicated to acknowledging the unique experiences of grieving children and teens and reminding them that they are not alone. It’s also an opportunity for all of us to learn how to better support the young hearts navigating loss.

What is Children’s Grief Awareness Month?

Children’s Grief Awareness Month grew out of Children’s Grief Awareness Day, founded in 2008 by the Highmark Caring Place, a center dedicated to supporting grieving children, adolescents, and their families. The month is symbolized by the blue butterfly, representing hope, transformation, and remembrance. Throughout November, communities, schools, and families come together to increase understanding of childhood grief, spark conversations, and create spaces of compassion for children coping with loss. The goal is simple but powerful: make sure every grieving child feels seen, heard, and supported.

Why it Matters

1. Statistics show this is a widely shared experience.
   According to the 2025 National Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM) Report, 1 in 11 children in the U.S. will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. That’s nearly 6.4 million youth. By age 25, more than 15.5 million young people will have experienced this kind of loss.
   
   These numbers remind us that children’s grief is not rare, but a deeply widespread reality calling for attention, care, and action.

2. Children grieve differently from adults.
   While adults often express grief through words and reflection, children show their grief through behavior and play. A child might talk about the loss in one moment and then run off to play in the next; it’s a healthy coping mechanism called “puddle jumping.” Grief for children is not constant, but it is ever-present.

3. Unacknowledged grief can leave lasting scars.
   When children’s grief is minimized or overlooked, it can impact their emotional development, mental health, and ability to trust. They may feel isolated or confused, wondering why their feelings don’t seem to “fit” what others expect.

4. Community support makes all the difference.
   When caring adults take the time to listen, validate, and create safe spaces, children begin to understand that their feelings are normal and that they don’t have to grieve alone. This simple act of presence builds resilience and fosters healing that lasts a lifetime. In fact, the CBEM report found that 97% of teachers believe grief adversely impacts student learning. It’s a reminder that support in schools and communities is critical for children’s healing and success.

What Grieving Children Need

Every child’s grief is unique, but most need the same core things:

• Honest, age-appropriate information: Children deserve truthful answers that match their developmental level.
• Safe spaces to express emotions: Whether through art, play, talking, or movement, expression helps release what words can’t always hold.
• Consistency and routine: Familiar rhythms can provide comfort during uncertain times.
• Connection: Grieving children heal through relationships with family, peers, and supportive adults.
• Opportunities to remember: Sharing stories, making memory boxes, or celebrating birthdays and anniversaries help keep loved ones close in meaningful ways.

How We Can All Help

You don’t have to be a grief professional to make a difference. Here are simple ways to support grieving children and to honor Children’s Grief Awareness Month:

• Wear blue on the third Thursday in November to show your support.
• Start conversations about grief with children and teens in your life.
• Listen without fixing. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply sit beside a child in their sadness.
• Share resources from organizations that support grieving families, such as the Dougy Center or the National Alliance for Children’s Grief.
• Donate or volunteer with local grief programs, schools, or child life teams.

Grief is not something to get over – it’s something to carry, and children should never have to carry it alone. Every blue butterfly, every conversation, every small act of kindness reminds grieving children that their love and loss do matter.

This Children’s Grief Awareness Month, may we all pause to honor the young hearts who are learning to live with loss, and commit to walking alongside them with empathy, patience, and hope.

At Care Dimensions, we specialize in helping children mourn and cope with death – preparing them prior to the loss and supporting them after. Our children’s program provides emotional support to patients and families, and also supports children in the community. Learn more at CareDimensions.org/Children. You can also contact the children’s program team at 855-774-5100 or email [email protected].

About the Author:

Kasey Griffin is a Certified Child Life Specialist within the Children’s Program at Care Dimensions.