child book blog.png

Helping Your Child Say Goodbye: Creating Meaningful Rituals

Call 210.705.1749 today to connect with a therapist, or visit https://www.anscounseling.com/shop to purchase The Terrible, Super Sad Day by Vanessa Valles LCSW-S, an effective therapeutic tool for children and families processing grief.

Saying goodbye to a loved one is a crucial step in childhood bereavement. Meaningful rituals help children process grief, express emotions, and create lasting memories. Combining child grief activities with therapeutic reading, such as The Terrible, Super Sad Day, supports children and caregivers in navigating this difficult process.

Ideas for Meaningful Rituals:

  • Create a memory box with photos, letters, or keepsakes

  • Plant a tree or flowers in honor of the loved one

  • Hold a small ceremony to share memories and feelings

  • Use child grief activities like drawing or journaling to process emotions

The Terrible, Super Sad Day can guide families through these rituals by providing examples, discussion prompts, and opportunities for reflection. Reading the book together encourages children to articulate feelings and understand that grief is a normal, shared experience.

Tips for Parents:

  • Involve children in creating rituals to give them a sense of control

  • Normalize a range of emotions, including sadness and anger

  • Use therapeutic books and activities to guide conversations

  • Reach out to a therapist if grief reactions persist or intensify

By combining age-appropriate rituals, child grief activities, and therapeutic reading with The Terrible, Super Sad Day, parents and caregivers can help children navigate loss, honor loved ones, and build coping skills for the future.

Call 210.705.1749 to connect with a therapist, or visit https://www.anscounseling.com/shop to purchase The Terrible, Super Sad Day in print, ebook, or Kindle as a therapeutic tool for grief support.