Mr. M Dies
When a loved one dies, there are ways to remember special times with them.
- Before viewing with your child: Preview the video by yourself first. If you decide to share it with your child, explain that it’s about a little monster named Buddy whose neighbor died, and Buddy is feeling sad and confused.
- View the video together once. On a second viewing, you might pause whenever children seem interested or have questions, or when something seems similar to their experience.
- After viewing: Talk with children.
- Answer any questions children may have with simple, honest language. When someone dies, their body stops working.
- Help children name their feelings and express them. Reassure children that it’s okay to feel many feelings, even all at once.
- If you’ve lost a loved one, spend time remembering special moments spent with them.
Remembering
For children and adults, it’s important to celebrate the lives of our loved ones who have died.
When Kids Need Special-Special Comfort
In the midst of big changes, comfort items such as small stuffed animals and blankets can provide a sense of continuity in a child’s life.
Helping Children Through Grief Related To COVID-19
There are ways to help families talk about death, express their feelings, and grieve together.
Grief and Change Caused by COVID-19
It’s okay to have feelings of grief when we experience changes big and small.
Open Ended Art
Doing open-ended art activities together helps adults and children relax and connect.
Showing and Sharing Feelings
Naming a big feeling can help children begin to understand it, and later regulate it.
Coloring to Calm Down
Coloring can help both children and grown-ups feel more calm and grounded.
