In Part 1, Stephanie Dyck helped us name the unseen grief so many moms carry—losses that don’t always get acknowledged, but still shape our days. Now, as we turn our attention to our children, we’re faced with another challenge: how do we support them through grief, fear, and big emotions when we’re still navigating our own? In this post, Stephanie offers simple, compassionate tools for talking to kids about loss, creating emotional safety, and grounding ourselves when everything feels too heavy. Whether you’re dealing with a specific loss or just holding the collective weight of the world right now, this guide is for you—and your little ones.

How to talk to your kids about death, loss, and grief:

You don’t need the perfect words—you just need honest ones.

  • Use clear, appropriate language. Avoid vague phrases like “they’re sleeping” or “they went away,” which can be confusing and even frightening for young children. Instead, use concrete words like “died” or “passed away.” You might say, “Grandpa died, and that means his body stopped working – and it’s okay to feel sad, but we can still talk about him, remember him, and keep him in our hearts.”
  • Allow emotions. Let them cry. Let them ask. Let them not talk about it for a while, too.
  • Model what it looks like to grieve. It’s okay to let your child see you cry every once in a while. You can say, “I’m feeling sad today because Grandpa died and I miss him,” or “Mama’s heart is sad today because of the horrible flood that happened. I wonder if you’ve heard about that, or if you have any questions?”
  • Keep it open. Let them revisit the topic when they’re ready. They process in layers—just like we do.

As Brene Brown reminds us, vulnerability isn’t weakness – it’s the birthplace of connection. Every time you let your kids see you be honest about your emotions, you’re teaching them it’s safe to be fully human.

How the Stress of Grief Can Look in Motherhood:
  •  Snapping over spilled milk (because it’s never just about the milk)
  • Feeling foggy when your kid needs help with homework
  • Exhaustion that no amount of sleep fixes
  • That constant tug of “I’m failing,” even while giving your all
  • That ache in your neck, tightness in your jaw, and low libido. Grief doesn’t just live in the heart—it lives in the body.

When our nervous systems are overloaded—especially after loss, stress, or the collective pain of something—it’s so important to bring ourselves back to the moment. 

Here are some simple ways to ground both yourself and your kids when emotions feel big and overwhelming:
For You, Mama:

Feel the Earth: Stand barefoot in the grass. Touch a tree. Dip your hands in water. Let your skin remind your soul that you’re safe right here, right now.

Use all five senses: Light a candle. Sip something warm. Snuggle a cozy blanket. Put on a playlist that soothes you. Let your senses anchor you to this moment.

Breathe with intention: Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat a few times. Let your breath be your lifeline when the thoughts won’t slow down.

Journal what you can’t say out loud: No pressure. No grammar rules. Just let the truth spill out. Your journal can hold what your voice might not be ready to.

Prayer, meditation, or stillness: Even a quiet moment in your car can be a sacred pause.

Let yourself be hugged: Whether it’s from your partner, your child, or a trusted friend, a long, safe hug can calm your heart and regulate your entire body. Hugging releases oxytocin—the “love hormone”—and sometimes, that’s the medicine we need most.

Work with a professional: A grief coach, therapist, or counselor can help you process what’s too heavy to carry alone. You don’t have to be strong all the time.

 

For Your Kids:

Hug them often: Especially when they’re melting down or pulling away. A long, steady hug—without needing to fix anything—tells their nervous system: You’re safe. You’re loved. I’ve got you.

Nature time: Let them get muddy, splash in puddles, climb trees, talk to bugs—anything that gets them out of their heads and into their bodies.

Breathing made playful: “Smell the flower, blow out the candle.” A fun, simple breath routine to calm their little systems.

Talk about feelings like colors or animals: Ask, “If that feeling were a color, what would it be?” or “Is your sad today more like a turtle or a lion?”

Body calming tools: Try a warm bath, a soft blanket fort, or just laying together with quiet music and no pressure to talk.

Create rituals: Let them light a candle, pick a memory stone, or draw pictures to help express what words can’t.

aWant to Collaborate?

I’m always looking to feature real stories and expert insights from amazing moms (and mom-adjacent pros!) here on Adventures in Momsville. If you’re a:

  • Allergy or wellness specialist

  • Equestrian or barrel racing mama

  • Family or lifestyle photographer

  • Travel agent or blogger

  • Or just someone with a heartfelt story or a parenting tip to share…

Let’s connect and create something together! I love highlighting niche topics that other moms can truly relate to and learn from. If that sounds like you, send me a message at adventures-momsville@gmail.com or reach out via Instagram.

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