
Supporting Families After the Loss of a Child
May 02, 2025
You Are Not Alone
Losing a child is one of the hardest things anyone can go through. You may feel broken, confused, or very alone. Please know that you are not alone in your grief.
At Imagine Pediatrics, we care deeply about the families we serve, and we are here to support you during this difficult time. Below is a list of resources that may bring comfort and support, whenever you’re ready.
Online Resources for Grieving Parents
These websites offer support, stories, and guidance for caregivers who are grieving:
- Compassionate Friends: Offers online support groups, helpful articles, and a community for grieving parents and families.
- Courageous Parents Network: A place for caregivers caring for children with special health care needs. Includes special resources for grieving caregivers.
- GriefShare: Helps you find local support groups and other grief recovery tools.
- Center for Loss & Life Transition: Resources and advice from grief expert Dr. Alan Wolfelt.
- Still Standing Magazine: Share stories and articles from other caregivers who have experienced loss.
Support Groups & Counseling Services
Connecting with others who understand can help:
- Local Grief Support Groups: Many communities offer in-person support groups for caregivers. Check with your local hospice, hospital, or faith-based organization.
- Bereaved Parents of the USA: A national group that connects grieving caregivers with others who understand.
- Hospice and Palliative Care Services: These programs often offer grief support and counseling services for families.
- Grief Therapists: Talking with a therapist who understands grief can be very helpful. Look for someone who works with families after a loss.
Books That May Bring Comfort
Here are some books caregivers have found meaningful during times of grief:
- Bearing the Unbearable by Dr. Joanne Cacciatore
- It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine
- A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis
- The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James & Russell Friedman
- Lament for a Son by Nicholas Wolterstorff
Helping Siblings Understand Grief
Children grieve differently than adults. These books can help explain loss in age-appropriate ways:
- The Invisible String by Patrice Karst (ages 3–10)
- Lifetimes by Bryan Mellonie & Robert Ingpen
- Tear Soup by Pat Schwiebert & Chuck DeKlyen
- When Someone Very Special Dies by Marge Heegaard (interactive)
- Ida, Always by Caron Lewis (ages 3–10)
- The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr (under 4)
Taking Care of Yourself
Grief affects the body and mind. These small steps may bring moments of relief:
- Let others help: Say yes to offers of meals, rides, or help around the house.
- Express your feelings: Try journaling, painting, or making music to release emotion.
- Try mindfulness or meditation: Apps like Headspace, Breethe and Calm offer short sessions focused on grief.
- Move your body gently: Walking or stretching can ease stress and help you feel grounded.
Take Your Time
There is no right way to grieve, and no set timeline for healing. Some days may feel harder than others. That’s okay. What matters most is giving yourself grace and knowing support is always available when you need it. We’re here to support you in any way we can.
We are here to help!
Imagine Pediatrics is dedicated to improving the health and lives of children with special health care needs. We provide 24/7 virtual and in-home care and support. We don’t replace your child’s current care team. We work with them to give your child more access to the high-quality care they need, whenever they need it – right from home. Our services are often at no cost if they are part of your child’s existing health plan benefits. Learn more about us here or call us (833) 208-7770.