Grief & Loss in Children and Teens: What Parents Need to Know (And Where to Find Support in Edmonton)

Grief with kids is something you never think you’ll have to navigate… until you do.

After sharing a recent reel and Facebook thread, my inbox filled with messages from parents going through loss with their children and teens. And one thing became very clear:

So many families are carrying this quietly.

That’s why I created this.

If you’re looking for grief support for children, teens, and families in Edmonton, this guide will help you find the right resources.

I’ve put together a list of grief and loss resources for children, teens, and parents, with options ranging from free supports to full-service counselling and programs, so you can find what works best for your family.

Our Reality With Grief

This isn’t something I’m sharing lightly.

Our family has been forever changed by loss.

We lost our baby daughter to stillbirth, my Mom, and others close to us… and nothing prepares you for that.

But what hit even harder was watching our son go through it.

He took it so hard.

And as a parent, that feeling of not knowing how to help your child through that kind of pain… it stays with you.

We leaned on some of these resources during that time.
Not because we had it figured out, but because we didn’t.

And they truly helped us through some of the hardest moments.

That’s why I’m sharing this now.

What Grief Can Look Like in Kids (It’s Not Always What You Expect)

Grief in children doesn’t always look like sadness.

It can look like:

Anger, meltdowns, or big emotional reactions
Acting out or shutting down
Regression in younger kids
Asking the same questions over and over
Playing like everything is normal one moment… then breaking down the next

Teens often process grief differently:

They may avoid talking about it
Lean more on friends than family
Hide how deeply they’re struggling
Experience anxiety, depression, or overwhelm

There is no timeline. No “normal.”

The Part No One Talks About Enough

Supporting a grieving child while you’re grieving yourself is a different kind of hard.

You’re trying to:

Hold it together for them
Say the right things
Understand what they need
Figure out if you’re doing this “right”

And the truth is… most of us are just doing our best with something we were never taught how to handle.

How to Talk to Your Kids About Grief

If you’re unsure where to start, you’re not alone.

Here are a few simple things that help:

Be honest using age-appropriate language
Avoid confusing phrases like “they went to sleep”
Let your child guide the conversation
Reassure them they are safe and loved
Remind them all feelings are okay

You don’t need perfect words. You just need to be there.

Why Support Matters (More Than We Think)

The right support can change everything.

It helps children:

Feel understood and less alone
Learn how to process big emotions
Build coping skills they’ll carry long-term

And for parents, it gives guidance during a time that can feel incredibly overwhelming.

Grief & Loss Resources for Children, Teens, and Parents

Because of the response to my recent reel and Facebook conversation, I’ve created a curated list of supports available in Edmonton and beyond.

You’ll find:

Free community grief programs
Counselling services for children and teens
Support groups for families
National helplines and organizations
More intensive, full-service therapy options

Important: These resources range from free to paid, so you can choose what works best for your family.

If You’re Going Through This Right Now

I want you to hear this clearly:

You are not alone.

Even if it feels like no one around you understands, there are so many families walking this same path quietly.

Reaching out for support is one of the strongest things you can do.

Save This for When You Need It

If this post helps even a little, save it.

Share it with a friend, a teacher, or another parent who might need it too.

And if you’re looking for support, check the resource list I’ve put together to help guide you through.

Grief and Loss Programs For Children & Teens

BriarPatch Family Centre

Grief and loss Programs

https://www.briarpatchfamilycentre.com/

Pilgrims Hospice

Grief counselling for children, teens & adults

Drop in grief support groups

https://pilgrimshospice.com/grief-services-children-teens/

Canadian Alliance For Children’s Grief (CACG)

The Canadian Alliance for Children’s Grief (CACG) is a national network providing grief support and resources for children and families across Canada. Find support by selecting your province.

https://grievingchildrencanada.org/

Kids Grief

Free online resource to help with Talking with kids and teens about serious illness, dying and death.

https://kidsgrief.ca/

Acclaim Health

All About Kids Anticipatory Grief & Bereavement, Support for Children and Youth Ages 0-18

https://acclaimhealth.ca/

My Health Alberta

Helping Children through grief

https://myhealth.alberta.ca/

211 Alberta

Bereavement/Grief/loss