When someone you love dies
This page is for kids who are sad because someone died. Read it with a grown-up. Tap the speaker to listen.
Who are you missing?
💧 It’s okay to cry
When Jesus’ friend Lazarus died, Jesus cried. He knew how sad it feels. You can be sad, mad, confused, quiet, or even laugh at a happy memory. All of those feelings are okay. God is not upset with you for any of them.
“Jesus wept.”John 11:35
❓ Questions kids ask
Did I make this happen? No. Nothing you said, thought, or did made them die.
Where are they now? People who love Jesus go to be with Him, where there’s no more hurting. If you’re not sure, God is good and fair, and you can ask a grown-up.
Is my pet in heaven? The Bible doesn’t tell us everything about animals. It does tell us God made them, knows every sparrow, and is good to everything He made.
Will I die too? Will my mom or dad? Most people live a long, long time. The grown-ups in your life are taking care of you, and God is taking care of all of you.
💛 Remember them
Write or tell a grown-up one happy memory. Then draw a picture of it, or put something special in a memory box.
This isn’t saved anywhere. It’s just for you.
🙏 Talk to God about it
🌈 God’s promise
One day, God will fix everything that’s broken.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or sadness or crying or pain.”Revelation 21:4
For grown-ups
- Use clear words like “died.” Phrases like “went to sleep” or “we lost him” can confuse or frighten young children.
- Answer the question they asked, briefly and honestly. It’s okay to say “I don’t know.”
- Kids grieve in bursts: sad one minute, playing the next. That’s normal.
- Talk to their pediatrician or a counselor if, after several weeks, they can’t sleep or eat, pull away from friends, or seem stuck. If a child talks about wanting to die or to “be with” the person, take it seriously and call or text 988 for guidance.
More for you: Grief & Loss · Christ in Crisis: Kids