Life brings joy, but it also brings loss. Sadly, all of us face it at some point. What makes it even harder is when children—especially our sweet grandkids—are the ones grieving.
A dear friend once asked me how she could support her grandchildren after they lost their great-grandma, her own mother. My heart ached for her, and I knew many other grandmas might face the same question. So, I gathered together 12 gentle and loving ways you, as a grandma, can help heal young hearts when they’re hurting from loss.
1. Be a kind and patient friend
As a loving grandma, you already bring kindness and patience into your grandchild’s life. Still, it’s important to remember that their loss is heavy, too. Speaking gently and offering encouraging words can make all the difference in helping them feel safe enough to open their hearts to you.
2. Have a heart-to-heart
When your grandchild wants to talk, be ready to listen with your whole heart. Sometimes, simply saying their feelings out loud can bring comfort. Remind them it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused—and that you’ll be there through it all.
3. Show them they’re safe and loved
Children need to know they are secure, especially when facing loss. Your steady presence can give them that sense of safety. Keep reminding them that no matter what happens, they are deeply loved—not just by you, but by so many who care for them.
4. Create a memory project together
Kids love to make things (and so do grandmas!). Use that creativity to start a special project, like a memory book. Add photos, stories, and favorite moments so your grandchild has a beautiful keepsake to hold onto and treasure forever.
5. Teach them about bouncing back
Grief has many layers, and it’s normal for kids to feel sad or even angry. But it’s also important to show them that life keeps moving forward. Share stories of people who faced hard times and found hope again—these can inspire your grandchild and remind them they, too, can be strong.
6. Encourage creative expression
Sometimes kids don’t have the words to explain what they feel, and that’s okay. Give them outlets like drawing, writing in a journal, making up a poem, or even singing a song. Finding creative ways to express emotions can be both healing and comforting.
7. Keep life as normal as possible
Even in times of loss, sticking to daily routines can bring comfort. The familiar rhythm of meals, school, and bedtime helps children feel safe and secure when everything else feels different. (And honestly, this reminder is helpful for us adults, too!)
8. Encourage a positive outlook
It’s important to honor sadness, but also to point out the blessings still around us. Share stories about the loved one they lost and remind them of the happy life they lived. A little hope and positivity can help lift their spirits when they need it most.
9. Ask for extra support if needed
Sometimes grief feels too heavy for kids to carry alone. If your grandchild is really struggling, reaching out to a professional—like a child psychologist or grief counselor—can give them more tools and comfort. There’s no shame in getting extra help when it’s needed.
10. Shower them with love
The greatest gift you can give your grandchild is your love—and that comes so naturally to you. In hard times, knowing they are deeply loved can feel like a soft, comforting blanket wrapped around them. Your love is your superpower, and it will help them find strength and resilience.
Read Also: 9 Powerful Ways to Make Your Grandchild Feel Safe and Loved
11. Celebrate small joys together
Loss can make the world feel heavy, so help your grandchild notice little sparks of joy. Bake cookies, watch a funny movie, or take a walk to see the sunset. These simple moments remind them that happiness still exists, even in the middle of sadness.
12. Keep their loved one’s memory alive
Find gentle ways to honor the person who has passed. Light a candle, cook their favorite meal, or tell stories about them during family gatherings. This helps your grandchild feel that their loved one will always be remembered and cherished.
Conclusion
You may already be doing many of these things—and if so, keep going, Grandma, because your love makes all the difference. If you’ve found other ways to help your grandkids cope with loss, I’d love to hear them, too. Most of all, thank you for being the steady, loving presence your grandkids need—no one can do it quite like you.
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