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When it comes to being a support system to children who have lost their parent(s) or guardian(s), it may seem like a challenge to simply have conservations. I don't believe that people practice what to say and/or how to say something encouraging to a child in those horrible times. Honestly, it's safe to say that many adults avoid the conversation altogether. But what does that then do for the children? The ones who don't know what to feel...the ones scared to sleep at night...the ones who are depressed...the ones who don't understand...the ones who blame themselves...the ones who simply want to be asked "how are you?" from a genuine person. Many youth do not have a clear understanding of death which prevents them from properly grieving. Unfortunately due to the stigma of seeing a therapist, many youth go without receiving much needed professional assistance to guide them through their pain. But we can't let the stigmas stop us from helping these children! It is imperative that we provide youth with resources on how to properly grieve, that way they won't become prisoners of their pain further on in life. As the supportive adult and/or guardian in the lives of children who have lost a parent/guardian, if you don't know where to start, I would recommend looking into counselling (there is nothing wrong with seeing a therapist) and other online resources (many may be free). For example, Sesame Street created wonderful videos to assist in beginning those much needed conversations. Below you will find some videos and read aloud books as resources to start the conversation and healing process. May you know that neither the children nor you are alone, support is here! Godspeed! For more information/leads to resources, please email: info@tokensfromheaven.org