Grief doesn’t pause for holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries. Support your child with guidance from licensed therapists. Call 210.705.1749 or visit www.anscounseling.com/shop to purchase The Terrible, Super Sad Day by Vanessa Valles, LCSW-S, a therapeutic children’s grief book that helps kids, parents, and caregivers navigate difficult days with understanding and healing.

Certain days—holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries—can trigger intense emotions for grieving children. These “grief triggers” can spark sadness, anxiety, or even behavioral changes, and they often catch parents off guard. Understanding and anticipating triggers helps caregivers provide emotional support, coping tools, and reassurance.

Children process grief differently depending on their age and developmental stage. Preschoolers may express sadness through play or clinging behaviors, while school-aged children may show irritability or withdrawal. Teens may isolate or act out emotionally. Psychoeducation teaches parents that these reactions are normal and part of the childhood bereavement process.

Planning Ahead for Trigger Days

Preparation helps children feel secure. Discuss upcoming events in advance:

• Explain what the day will look like and what will happen.

• Include rituals or memories that honor the loved one.

• Offer choices for how the child wants to participate in celebrations.

The Terrible, Super Sad Day is an excellent tool to guide these conversations. This therapeutic book for grieving children encourages children to anticipate emotions, express feelings, and practice coping strategies in advance.