Resources to support parents and caregivers.
These resources can be used by parents or caregivers to support their children when someone in their life is dying or has died.
More Resources from the Children’s Grief Centre
Did you know we have a Parent Lunch and Learn Series?
The series, led by the Children’s Grief Centre, provides parents and caregivers with brief, concrete, and accessible information as they navigate new situations with their grief and their children’s grief. Learn more about the series and to watch recorded conversations.
Learn More 〉
Resources from Other Organizations
- Canadian Alliance for Children’s Grief
- National Alliance for Children’s Grief
- Preparing Emotionally for Disasters or Emergencies
- Psychological First Aid After a Disaster
- Responding to a Disaster or Emergency
- Helping Children and Teens Recover from a Disaster or Emergency
- Recovery After a Disaster or Emergency
Suggested Books for Families
The book titles below will link you to Goodreads. There, you’ll find reviews and information about the book. Most of these books can be borrowed from the Library or purchased from book stores.
A Parent's Guide to Raising Grieving Children: Rebuilding Your Family after the Death of a Loved One
by Phyllis R. Silverman
But I Didn't Say Goodbye: Helping Families After a Suicide
by Barbara Rubel
Caregiving And Loss: Family Needs, Professional Responses
by Kenneth J. Doka and Joyce D. Davidson
Catching Your Breath in Grief: ...and grace will lead you home
Companioning the Grieving Child: A Soulful Guide for Caregivers
Everywhere and All Around
Healing a Teen's Grieving Heart: 100 Practical Ideas for Families, Friends and Caregivers
Help Me Say Goodbye: Activities for Helping Kids Cope When a Special Person Dies
Helping Children Grieve, Revised Edition: When Someone They Love Dies
Fatherloss: How Sons of All Ages Come to Terms with the Deaths of Their Dads
Finding the Words: How to Talk with Children and Teens about Death, Suicide, Homicide, Funerals, Cremation, and other End-of-Life Matters
by Alan D. Wolfelt
I Miss You: A First Look At Death
by Pat Thomas
Ida, Always
In My Heart: A Book of Feelings
Life Is Like the Wind
Never Too Young to Know: Death in Children's Lives
Rafi’s Red Racing Car: Explaining Suicide and Grief to Young Children
Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy
Talking about Death: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child
Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss
Teen Grief Relief: Parenting with Understanding, Support and Guidance
by Gloria C. Horsley, Heidi Horsley
The Invisible String
by Patrice Karst
The Invisible Web: A Story Celebrating Love and Universal Connection
by Patrice Karst
The Memory Box: A Book About Grief
by Joanna Rowland
Whimsy's Heavy Things
Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You
When Someone Very Special Dies: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief
Waterbugs and Dragonflies: Explaining Death to Young Children
The Rabbit Listened
by Cori Doerrfeld