Supporting Your Child Through Grief and Loss | Child, Teen, and Family Calgary Counselling | Creative Sky Psychology
Supporting Your Child Through Grief and Loss in Calgary
When a child experiences loss — whether it’s the death of a loved one, a pet, a change in family structure, or even a move — the world can suddenly feel uncertain. As parents, we want to protect our children from pain, but grief is a part of being human. What we can do is help them move through it safely, supported, and never alone.
At Creative Sky Psychology in Calgary, we walk beside families through moments of loss, helping children express what words sometimes can’t..
Children often “grieve in bursts.” This means they can cry deeply one minute and play happily the next — a natural coping mechanism that helps them process emotions gradually and safely.
Understanding How Children Experience Grief
Grief looks different for every child. Unlike adults, children often move in and out of grief — crying one moment, then playing the next. This “grief oscillation” is completely normal. Their brains are still developing the ability to process abstract emotions, which means grief can show up through behaviour rather than words.
Common ways grief may appear in children:
Changes in sleep or appetite
Irritability or anger
Clinginess or separation anxiety
Withdrawing from friends or play
Regression (e.g., bedwetting, thumb sucking)
Asking repetitive questions about death or loss
Physical complaints (stomach aches, headaches)
Each of these signs is a communication of pain, confusion, or fear — an invitation for gentle connection rather than correction.
Ways to Support Your Child Through Grief
While every child’s grief journey is unique, certain approaches can help create emotional safety and healing.
1. Name and Normalize Emotions
Let your child know it’s okay to feel sad, angry, scared, or even relieved. Use simple, honest language like:
“I feel sad too. It’s okay to cry when we miss someone.”
Avoid euphemisms (“They went to sleep”) that may confuse children. Clear communication fosters trust and understanding.
2. Keep Routines When Possible
Predictability provides security. Maintaining mealtimes, school routines, or bedtime rituals gives children a sense of stability when life feels uncertain.
3. Encourage Expression Through Play or Art
Children often express grief symbolically — through drawings, storytelling, or imaginative play. These nonverbal outlets allow them to process complex emotions safely.
4. Answer Questions Honestly
It’s natural for children to revisit the same questions over and over. Be patient and respond consistently.
For example:
“Yes, Grandpa died. That means his body stopped working, and he can’t come back. But we can still remember him and love him.”
5. Model Healthy Coping
When you allow your child to see your own grief — in age-appropriate ways — you show them it’s safe to feel and express emotions.
When to Seek Support in Calgary
Sometimes grief can feel too big to manage alone. If your child’s distress persists for weeks, impacts daily life, or you notice self-blame or emotional shutdown, counselling can help. At Creative Sky Psychology, our Calgary-based child therapists use evidence-based and play-centered approaches to help children process grief in a way that feels natural and healing.
You don’t have to wait for things to “get worse.” Reaching out early can prevent complicated grief and strengthen your child’s resilience.
You might consider professional support if your child:
Avoids reminders of the loss completely
Has frequent nightmares or fears about death
Expresses guilt or responsibility for what happened
Shows ongoing sadness or social withdrawal
Struggles to return to normal routines after several months
How Creative Sky Counselling Supports Healing
Our Child Therapy in Calgary and Family Counselling Services create safe, creative spaces where children can explore emotions through play, art, and gentle conversation. Together, we help your child name their feelings, develop coping skills, and rebuild a sense of security after loss.
Our therapists also guide parents — because when you understand what your child needs most, you can respond with confidence and compassion.
For more insights, read:
Final Thoughts: A Gentle Next Step
Supporting your child through grief is an act of deep love — but you don’t have to do it alone. At Creative Sky Psychology, we’re here to walk with you and your child toward healing, connection, and hope.
📍 Visit us: #5, 2005 37 Street SW, Calgary, AB T3E 3A5
📞 Call: 587-331-4464 ext. 1
✉️ Email: info@creativeskypsychology.com
🌐 Book online today learn more about Child Grief Counselling 👋 Meet our team
Looking for grief and loss therapy for older teens, post-secondary students, or adults? Visit our sister clinic, NU Psychology in Calgary, where mental health support is available at every stage of life.
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There’s no timeline. Grief may resurface at new developmental stages — for example, a child might grieve differently at age 5 than at 10. The key is ongoing openness and support.
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Honesty fosters trust. Use simple, age-appropriate explanations. Avoid vague phrases like “passed away,” which may confuse or frighten younger children.
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Share your feelings in a way that shows strength and vulnerability:
“I feel sad too, but we can get through this together.”
Your shared grief can actually deepen your connection.
