What do you say to a child who has lost someone they love?
For many adults, the instinct is to offer reassurance. We might say, “Everything happens for a reason,” “They’re in a better place,” or “Time heals all wounds.” These words often come from a place of care, but they don’t always provide the comfort we intend.
Sometimes, what a grieving child needs most isn’t reassurance or advice. It’s someone willing to listen, acknowledge their feelings, and simply be there.
That’s why, this November, we’re inviting everyone to Flip the Script on how we understand and support children who are grieving.
Why Children’s Grief Awareness Month Matters
Every November, Children’s Grief Awareness Month brings attention to the millions of young people navigating life after the death of someone important to them.
According to the 2026 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model from Judi’s House/JAG Institute, 1 in 11 children in the United States will experience the death of a parent or sibling before turning 18. By age 25, approximately 15.9 million young people will have experienced this type of loss.
Behind every statistic is a young person whose life has changed.
Grief can affect how children learn, connect with others, express emotions, and experience the world around them. And while every child’s grief is unique, one thing remains true: Children deserve understanding, connection, and compassionate support as they navigate their loss.
Children’s Grief Awareness Month is an opportunity to bring these experiences into the open, challenge the stigma surrounding grief, and help families, schools, and communities better support young people.
What Does It Mean to Flip the Script?
For the third year, Experience Camps is collaborating with the National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG), Dougy Center, Eluna, and Judi’s House on Flip the Script, a national campaign encouraging people to rethink how they respond to grieving children and teens.
The idea is simple: Instead of relying on familiar phrases or assumptions about grief, we can choose responses rooted in understanding, compassion, and meaningful support.
Flipping the script might look like:
- Instead of: “You need to be strong.”
Try: “You don’t have to be strong all the time. Whatever you’re feeling is okay.” - Instead of: “At least you have so many good memories.”
Try: “Would you like to tell me about them?” - Instead of: “I know exactly how you feel.”
Try: “I don’t know exactly what this feels like for you, but I’m here to listen.” - Instead of: “It’s time to move on.”
Try: “There’s no timeline for grief. I’m here whenever you need me.”
Supporting a child who is grieving doesn’t require having all the answers. It starts with being present, listening without judgment, and allowing young people to experience grief in their own way and at their own pace.
Small, intentional acts of support can make a meaningful difference.
Making Space for Every Grief Experience
At Experience Camps, we know that grief doesn’t look the same for every child.
Some kids want to talk about the person who died. Others may not. Some express grief through tears or anger, while others find comfort in laughter, creativity, friendship, or play.
And sometimes, all of those experiences happen in the same day.
Through our programs, we’ve seen what becomes possible when grieving kids are surrounded by people who understand that grief is not something to fix or overcome.
It’s something they can learn to carry with connection, community, and support.
That’s also why it’s important to recognize that a child’s experience of grief can be shaped by their family relationships, culture, community, and the circumstances surrounding a death. There is no single right way to grieve, and meaningful support begins with recognizing each child’s individual needs.
Join Us in Flipping the Script This November
Throughout Children’s Grief Awareness Month, Experience Camps and our partners in the National Movement for Children’s Grief Awareness will share stories, resources, and practical ways to support grieving children and teens.
We’ll explore topics including:
- What children and teens want adults to understand about grief
- How to support grieving kids during the holidays
- The unique challenges surrounding stigmatized deaths, including suicide, homicide, and substance-related loss
- Ways schools and communities can better support grieving students
- Common myths about childhood grief and what we can do differently
- How to create more inclusive, compassionate spaces for grieving young people
But this movement isn’t just about raising awareness. It’s about turning awareness into action.
You don’t need to be a grief expert to make a difference in a grieving child’s life. You can start by listening, learning, and being willing to approach grief conversations differently.
Follow along throughout November, share what you learn, and join the conversation using #FlipTheScript, #ChildrensGriefAwareness, and #CGAM2026.
Together, we can challenge outdated assumptions, create space for honest conversations, and build communities where grieving children feel seen, heard, and supported.
Because no child should have to grieve alone.
Learn more about Flip the Script and the National Movement for Children’s Grief Awareness.
