Children & Youth

When one thinks of childhood they may think about playing outside with friends, running around the playground at the local park or simply enjoying the carefree times – but things aren’t always like this. There are going to be challenging times in one’s childhood, and as parents or caregivers, you want to protect them from any pain they may have, but it’s not always the best outcome. Kids will feel sad, frustrated and stressed – and that’s a part of life! It’s important that they learn to navigate through these tough times.

For most adults its a challenging time with the uncertainty around COVID-19, but kids may be having an even tougher time during the pandemic. Being off school for an extended period of time, social isolation, and the uneasy feeling of not knowing what this means for their friends and family are just some of the concerns young children and teens may be feeling at this time. It's important that parents, family members, school staff and other trusted adults play an important role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a way that is honest, accurate and minimizes anxiety or fear.

How to talk to children and youth during difficult times?

Dragonfly Story For Kids

The Dragonfly Story For Kids was created to help explain Death to children.

A Kids Book About COVID-19

A Kids Book About COVID-19 is used to explain to children and youth about the COVID-19 pandemic in a light and easy to read way.

ARCH Dragonfly Model

This model has been created to help caregivers support children through difficult times whether it be grieving the loss of a loved one, or grieving the loss of school, playing with friends, visiting family due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grief for Kids

Talking with kids and teens about serious illness, dying and death

Children and Youth Grief Network

Every child and youth has honest information and well-informed support when someone they care about is dying or has died.

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The ABC's of Death Book

We've developed a book to aid in supporting children through grief. The purpose of this book is to help you become more comfortable in supporting children through the uncomfortable topic of death. We have filled this book with tools, tips, and information on ways you can best support children.

Click on the cover to read the book!