The Memory Box: A Book About Grief explores two questions that help us understand how children deal with grief:

When kids experience the death of a loved one, everyday routines, old assumptions, and expectations for the future are suddenly upended. One of the most profound changes kids face is the loss of their old identity. When kids worry that they will forget a person, they are also worrying that they will forget who they were with that person.

Mr. Rogers, the beloved children's television host, reminded us that when tragedy strikes for kids, the first thing they want to know is, "How will this affect me?" In Rowland's book, after the young girl processes her grief, she feels reassured that she won't forget. In other words, she'll be okay. That's an enormous comfort for children. One way to help children move through their grief is to talk normally with them about their loved one. Talking about grief can be hard, but please don't be afraid to try. Grief becomes so much more complicated when it's considered a forbidden topic.

2. What do I do with my feelings?

The little girl in The Memory Box feels sadness, fear, wonder, loneliness, and reassurance as she walks through her loss. That's very normal! Younger children might not have the words to express what they are going through, so they displace their grief feelings into ongoing frustration and anger. Younger kids tend to be more literal and practical, anxious to figure out what happens next. Older kids are able to articulate their feelings better, but may be more susceptible to other feelings related to loss, like fear of losing other loved ones, concern about money, or guilt about getting on with one's life. Young or old, grief presents a struggle for all of us – both kids and adults! We have to simultaneously let go and hold on to someone we loved. It's really important to stay in close touch with kids who are grieving, because they are going back and forth between these two realities–letting go and holding on.

If you know a child who is dealing with loss, here are some ways you can help them process their grief:

• Like the girl in this book, start a box of memories of a lost loved one. A memory box will help children overcome the fear that they will forget their loved one, and give them a physical activity to symbolically process their complicated emotions.
• Find support groups for families and kids. It helps kids tremendously to know that others share their experience!
• If you are religious, ask a leader from your faith tradition to meet with you and the child to talk about your faith's beliefs about life and death.
• On the anniversary of your loved one's death, share your memories with family, friends, or another community you treasure. Bake a favorite treat that your loved one appreciated and share music and pictures.

To see inside The Memory Box or to purchase, click here.

Mary Lindberg holds a Master of Divinity degree from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California. She has worked with children and families experiencing grief and loss as a hospital chaplain at Lutheran General Hospital and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.