Helping Children Heal Through Storytelling
Storytelling has often played a pivotal role in establishing a bridge between emotions and understanding, allowing us to process life’s most challenging moments. For children navigating grief, storytelling can provide comforting support—a means to explore their feelings, honor their memories, and begin to heal.
Why Storytelling Matters
Stories provide more than just entertainment—they are a mirror reflecting our emotions and a window offering perspectives on life. For children, storytelling can:
Help them process emotions: A well-told story allows children to identify and articulate feelings they might not have words for.
Create a safe space: Children can explore complex emotions safely and non-judgmentally through stories.
Foster connection: Sharing stories strengthens bonds between children and their caregivers, creating a sense of understanding and support.
As I wrote my children’s book, Message to Heaven, I saw firsthand how stories could be a balm for the heart. The book was born to give families a tool to navigate grief together, showing children that they are never alone in their feelings.
When my dad died, I was just fifteen years old. My family wasn’t great at creating a space for me to share my emotions. I don’t remember any conversations about how I was feeling. There was no opportunity to process my grief. Having these opportunities would have helped me understand the emotional rollercoaster I was experiencing. Instead, I turned to storytelling and poetry, though I didn’t realize it was a coping mechanism then. I was simply writing to escape the reality that my dad was gone. My stories often included my dad in physical form, as if he were still alive. Writing became a refuge, allowing me to process emotions I didn’t have words for.
Types of Stories That Help
Not all stories are the same, and certain types can be especially effective for helping children cope with loss:
Personal Stories: Sharing memories about the loved one who has passed can help children feel connected to their legacy. For example, recalling a funny or heartwarming moment can spark smiles even amid sadness.
Books and Fiction: Stories that feature relatable characters can offer validation and hope. Books that model resilience and empathy are particularly impactful.
Make-Believe Stories: Imaginary tales allow children to project their feelings onto characters or scenarios, giving them control over their emotions.
“Storytelling is a safe haven for the soul, where words become a bridge to healing. It allows us to express what’s inside, honor what we’ve lost, and find comfort in connection.”
How to Start Storytelling with Your Child
Introducing storytelling into your child’s routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple ways to get started:
Create a Comfortable Setting: Choose a comfortable, distraction-free environment for storytelling. This could be bedtime while sitting on the couch or outside under the stars.
Invite Participation: Encourage your child to join by adding their thoughts to the story. For example, you might say, “What do you think happened next?” or “How would you feel in this situation?”
Use Prompts or Props: Family photos, favorite toys, or drawings can inspire stories. You might start with, “Remember the time when…” or “Let’s imagine a day with [loved one’s name].”
Journaling as a Therapeutic Tool
In addition to verbal storytelling, encouraging children to journal can be profoundly therapeutic. Writing gives them a private space to express their thoughts and feelings. Journals can serve as a memory book, a place to document dreams or a creative outlet for their imagination. Whether through words or drawings, journaling helps children articulate their emotions and find clarity amid confusion.
Tools to Enhance Storytelling
Incorporating tools can make the storytelling experience even more meaningful:
Storybooks About Loss: Reading together can spark meaningful conversations. A few recommended titles include:
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
Ida, Always by Caron Levis
When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death by Laurie Krasny Brown
Journals or Memory Books: Encourage your child to write or draw their own stories. This can be a therapeutic outlet for their emotions.
Simple Prompts: Ask open-ended questions like, “What’s your favorite memory with [loved one’s name]?” or “If you could tell them something now, what would it be?”
Storytelling has a unique power to rise above pain and foster meaningful connections. For children dealing with the intricate emotions of grief, sharing stories offers a path to healing, a way to cherish memories, and reassurance that they are never alone.
Have you used storytelling to support a child in your life? I’d love to hear about your experience. Which stories or books have made an impact on your family?
I’d love to hear about the stories or books that have resonated with you—feel free to share them in the comments or reach out to me directly. Let’s build a supportive community rooted in shared experiences and insights.
Don’t miss the next blog post, where we’ll discuss creating a memory box—a meaningful way to honor and remember loved ones.