Helping a Child Navigate Grief and Loss
Grief in childhood can feel confusing and overwhelming. Children often express loss differently from adults, sometimes through behaviour, play or changes in routine. Whether they’ve lost a loved one, a pet, or someone close has moved away, their feelings are real and deeply felt. Telling the truth in an age-appropriate way, using simple and clear language, helps children feel safe and supported as they begin to make sense of what has happened.
1
An introduction to Support Childhood Grief
Watch the short clip below for a parent/carer introduction to A New Day for Little Bear; a gentle animation created to support children coping with grief.
Watch the Grief Animation Now
This gentle, child-focused animation offers a safe starting point for conversations about loss. It’s been thoughtfully designed to support children at their own pace, with warmth, care and simplicity
2
3
How This Animation Can Help Your Child Process Grief
Children often make sense of the world through story and play. This animation uses metaphor to create a safe psychological distance, allowing children to explore difficult feelings without becoming overwhelmed. Through gentle visuals, simple language and the journey of Little Bear, children are supported to recognise and process emotions like sadness, confusion and loss in a way that feels safe and manageable.
Tools to Support Your Child’s Wellbeing
-
Unresolved grief in childhood can affect emotional wellbeing, behaviour and relationships over time. Without the right support, children may struggle to understand or express what they’re feeling. Offering simple, age-appropriate tools early on can make a lasting difference. Little Bear is a gentle first step—helping children feel seen, heard and supported as they begin to process their grief and move towards emotional recovery.
-
You can now purchase your own Little Bear, a natural companion designed to offer comfort and calm. Made from natural Irish wool and carefully crafted to support emotional regulation, Little Bear is a gentle presence for children navigating big feelings. Whether used during quiet time, bedtime or therapy, it’s a meaningful way to extend the support beyond the screen.
-
Grief can bring up many different emotions over time, including worry, anger and uncertainty. Our full series of animations offers continued support, helping children explore and understand a range of feelings in a safe and gentle way.
You might also find it helpful to watch the animations on Emotional Regulation and Separation Anxiety as part of your child’s ongoing journey.
