November is Children's Grief Awareness Month, a time to recognize the experiences of grieving children and teens, open up conversations about loss, and remind families that no one should have to face grief alone.
For children, grief rarely looks the way adults expect. It doesn't always show up as tears, and it doesn't follow a timeline. It might come out as questions, anger, confusion, changes in behaviour, or even moments of laughter and play. Every child grieves differently, and every child deserves to feel supported, understood, and heard.
At Jade Therapy, we believe every emotion is welcome, especially the hard ones.
Our Partnership with Myra's Kids Foundation
We're proud to partner with Myra's Kids Foundation, a Montreal-based organization that supports children and adolescents who have experienced the death of someone close to them.
Through camps, monthly support groups led by grief professionals, and other programs, Myra's Kids helps grieving children connect with others who understand, honour the people they love, and find comfort in knowing they aren't alone. All of their programs are offered at no cost to families.
We see the value of emotional support and community every day in our work. Partnering with Myra's Kids allows us to carry that commitment beyond the therapy room and into the wider community.
To learn more about their programs and resources, visit myraskids.ca.
Introducing Our Butterfly Wall
This November, we're inviting our whole Jade community to help fill our Butterfly Wall with messages of love, remembrance, kindness, and hope. The idea was inspired by the butterfly in the Myra's Kids Foundation logo.
How to participate:
- Pick up a butterfly during your next visit.
- Make it your own. Write a message, share a name or a memory, draw something, or leave it blank.
Your butterfly might honour someone you love and miss, offer encouragement to someone who is grieving, or share a few words you think someone else might need to hear. There's no right or wrong way to take part.
As the wall grows throughout the month, we hope it becomes a visible reminder of how much connection and compassion can hold us up.
Supporting a Grieving Child
You don't need perfect words to help a child through loss. Often, what matters most is simply showing up. A few gentle ways to start:
- Use honest, simple language. Clear words like "died" are easier for children to understand than phrases like "went to sleep" or "we lost them."
- Welcome their questions, even the ones that repeat or feel difficult. It's okay to say "I don't know."
- Share your own feelings. Letting children see that you miss someone too shows them grief is safe to express.
- Keep the memory alive. Look at photos, tell stories, and say the person's name.
- Reach out for support when grief feels too heavy to carry alone. Organizations like Myra's Kids Foundation offer free programs for grieving children and families.
No One Should Grieve Alone
Grief is a natural part of life, yet it can feel deeply isolating, especially for children who may not yet have the words for what they're feeling.
Sometimes support is a conversation. Sometimes it's sitting beside someone, listening to a memory, or reminding them that their feelings matter. Our Butterfly Wall is a small way for our community to come together, acknowledge grief, and share kindness with one another.
Because every story matters, every feeling deserves space, and no child should have to grieve alone.
We'd love for you to add your butterfly the next time you visit.
