The Grief and Loss Conversation Cards are a free printable therapeutic resource created to help children and young people explore their thoughts, feelings, and questions following the death of someone important to them. These cards are designed to gently open up conversations about grief in a way that feels safe, supportive, and age-appropriate.
Grieving children often struggle to put their emotions into words. These carefully designed prompts give them a way to talk about their experience without pressure, using open-ended questions, imaginative thinking, and memory-based reflection. The questions cover a wide range of themes—from sadness and confusion to happy memories and coping strategies.
Kids are encouraged to talk about what they miss, what they remember, and what helps them feel calm or connected to the person who has died. Questions like “What would you say to this person now?”, “Is there a smell, place or song that reminds you of them?”, and “What do you do when you want to feel calm?” allow space for both emotional honesty and comforting reflection. The resource also normalises difficult feelings like anger or loneliness and creates opportunities for adults to offer reassurance and support.
These conversation cards can be used in a wide range of settings, including:
Grief and bereavement counselling sessions for children and teens
One-to-one work in schools, early help, or therapeutic services
Foster care and family support sessions where children have experienced loss
Group work or PSHE lessons exploring feelings and life events
At home with parents or carers who want to support a grieving child in a gentle way
This resource is especially valuable for children who have difficulty expressing their feelings, or who find it hard to start conversations about death. The cards can be picked at random or chosen intentionally based on the child’s needs. They can also be used alongside memory boxes, artwork, or journaling to support personalised grief work.
The Grief and Loss Conversation Cards promote emotional expression, strengthen connections with supportive adults, and help children make sense of their experience in a safe, structured way. Whether used in therapy, education, or family settings, these cards are a compassionate tool for children navigating the challenges of bereavement.
