Sadness

Processing loss, feeling down, grief

Sometimes there's a reason. Sometimes there isn't. Watching your child feel sad - really sad - is one of the harder parts of parenting, especially when you can't fix it. The instinct to cheer them up is strong, but what they often need is something different.

What to Know

Sadness makes parents uncomfortable. The urge to cheer kids up, distract them, or fix the problem is powerful. But sadness — like all emotions — needs to be felt, not fixed. When we rush kids through sadness, we accidentally teach them that the feeling is too big or too dangerous to sit with.

Sometimes sadness has an obvious cause. Sometimes it doesn't. Young kids often can't articulate why they're sad, and sometimes they genuinely don't know. That's okay. They don't need to explain it for you to help them through it.

What helps most is presence without pressure — being with your child in the hard feeling without trying to talk them out of it or find a silver lining. This teaches kids that sadness is survivable and that they don't have to be alone in it.

Signs to Watch

•Seems down or tearful more often than usual
•Withdraws from activities they usually enjoy
•Has trouble identifying why they're sad
•Expresses hopelessness or says things like "nothing is fun"
•Cries easily or over small things
•Seems emotionally flat or disconnected

Stories

The Club of Kids Who Get It

There's a club at school. No meetings, no sign-ups. It's the club of kids who get it—kids with divorced parents, big feelings, hard stuff. Marcus is a member. You might be too.

I Thought I Was the Only One

Nadia thought she was the only one with a messy family. Then her friend said 'my parents fight too.' Suddenly, the secret wasn't so heavy.

My Friend Noticed

Something was wrong with Ellie. She didn't laugh anymore. She sat alone. Her friend Sam noticed—and didn't give up. Sometimes that's all you need.

The Long Way Home

Jordan takes the long way home. Not because he's lost—because he needs time to think. By the time he gets there, the hard stuff feels smaller.

The Someday Box

Ruby keeps a box under her bed for things she's not ready for yet. The letter. The photo. The almost-certificate. Someday, she'll open them. But not today.

Tomorrow Will Be Different

Today was the worst. But today is almost over. Tomorrow is coming. And tomorrow might be different—maybe better, maybe not. But definitely different.

The Land of Loud Feelings

When his room feels too small for his big feelings, Jaxon travels to the Land of Loud Feelings—where he can stomp and roar and be wild. When he's done, home is waiting.

Strong People Cry

Firefighters cry when they're sad. Athletes cry when they're proud. Dads cry when they're happy. Even superheroes cry. Strong people feel all their feelings.

I've Got This

Hard things happen. Zoe's ice cream falls. Her friend moves away. She doesn't make the team. Each time, she finds her words: 'This is hard. I'm sad. And I've got this.'

The Feelings Jar

Emma's feelings are all jumbled up—angry-sad-scared-excited all at once. Grandpa gives her a jar and teaches her to name each feeling and give it a color.

Too Sick to Do Anything

Maya felt terrible. Too tired to play, too achy to move. But being sick also meant: warm soup, extra stories, and Mama's hand on her forehead.

Where Is My Bear?!

Bear is gone. GONE. Rosie can't explain where or how—just that he's not here and NOTHING is okay. Dad doesn't understand until they retrace their steps together.

The Night Bear Got Lost

Bear wasn't in bed. Or under it. Or anywhere. Eli couldn't sleep without him. His big sister searched everywhere—and finally found him at the park.

This Is How I Feel

Happy feels like sunshine inside. Sad feels heavy, like carrying a rock. Scared feels tight, like holding your breath. Every feeling has a feeling—and a name.

Things That Make Me Feel Better

When I feel bad, some things help. Warm socks. My dog's fur. The smell of pancakes. A hug that lasts long. I'm making a list so I don't forget.

I'll Love You When You're Grumpy

I'll love you when you're grumpy. When you yell, when you cry, when you slam the door. My love doesn't have conditions. It's just there—always.

Even Grumps Have Feelings

Grandpa seems grumpy. But Mia learns that grumpy is just tired, or worried, or missing Grandma. Everyone has feelings—even people who don't show them.

All My Feelings Are Okay

Sometimes I feel happy. Sometimes I feel grumpy. Sometimes I feel scared AND excited at the same time. All my feelings are okay—they're just visiting.

Articles

When Your Child Is Excluded: Navigating Social Rejection

How to support your child when they're left out.

Supporting Children When a Parent Is Ill

How to help your child cope when a parent has a serious illness.

When a Pet Dies: Helping Children Through Their First Major Loss

Supporting your child through the death of a beloved pet.

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Explaining Difficult World Events to Children

How to talk about scary news without increasing anxiety.

Helping Your Only Child When a Sibling Isn't Coming

Supporting children who wish for siblings, especially after loss or infertility.

Helping Children Cope with the Death of a Loved One

Guiding your child through grief and loss.

Helping Your Child Through Divorce: An Age-by-Age Guide

What children need at each developmental stage when parents separate.

Activities & Worksheets

Activities coming soon

Downloadable activities and worksheets for this topic.