The Big Idea: Journaling can help children (and grown-ups!) reflect on and work through their feelings.
Feelings Journal
Download printable
When a loved one dies, children experience overwhelming, confusing feelings. A journal can help children understand and express their emotions.
- Print out seven feelings journal pages (for one week) and put them in a folder, or clip them together.
- Help kids complete a page every day. They may need help thinking of what to draw or write. You might ask, for instance, “What was a fun thing you did today?”; “Was there anything today that reminded you of your mom?” or, “When you felt sad today, where did you feel it in your body?”
- At the end of the week, look through the journal together and talk about the different emotions that children felt. End with a big hug and reassurance that hearts take time to heal.
