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, a therapeutic tool for children and families navigating grief.

Children processing grief are highly sensitive to language. What adults say—or don’t say—can significantly impact a child’s ability to express emotions and process loss. Using therapeutic books, such as The Terrible, Super Sad Day, provides a structured, safe way to guide conversations.

What NOT to Say:

• “Don’t cry” or “Be strong” – discourages emotional expression

• “They’re in a better place” – may confuse younger children

• “It’s not a big deal” – minimizes feelings

What to Say Instead:

• “It’s okay to feel sad or angry”

• “I’m here to listen whenever you want to talk”

• “Let’s remember them together”

Child grief activities, like journaling, art, or creating a memory box, combined with reading The Terrible, Super Sad Day, help children express grief safely. Parents and caregivers can use the book as a conversation starter and a clinical tool to guide understanding.

Tips for Parents:

• Validate emotions and model healthy expression

• Use therapeutic reading to support discussion

• Engage children in child grief activities to express feelings

• Connect with a therapist if grief reactions persist or intensify

By combining guidance from The Terrible, Super Sad Day, child grief activities, and age-appropriate conversations, parents and caregivers can help children navigate grief with support and understanding.

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.