Lost & Found Grief Center recognizes Children's Grief Awareness Month in November by sending out "Ripples of Hope"
This November, in recognition of Children's Grief Awareness Month, Lost & Found Grief Center is raising awareness about the needs of grieving children and spreading ripples of hope through kindness and thoughtful support.
According to the JAG Institute's 2025 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model, 1 in 11 children—about 6.4 million nationwide—will lose a parent or sibling before the age of 18. In Missouri, the rate is higher: 1 in 10. These sobering statistics underscore the urgent need to recognize and respond to children's grief.
"Like a stone cast into water that creates a ripple; we witness ripples of hope at Lost & Found weekly as kids (and parents) realize they are not alone in their grief," said Mark Miller, executive director of Lost & Found Grief Center. "Children mourning the death of a parent meet other kids experiencing similar losses and build community. After 25 years of serving grieving families, we are now seeing once-grieving children and parents return to Lost & Found to volunteer, serve on our boards, or join our staff. The positive impact of grief support is exponential."
Adults can send a ripple of hope to grieving children in their lives by:
- Actively listening.
- Using clear, concrete, age-appropriate language.
- Validating their feelings.
- Being honest and telling the truth in appropriate ways.
- Consistently showing up for them.
- Providing them with opportunities to express their grief.
- Modeling healthy grieving.
Throughout November, Lost & Found will share stories of the children and families who have benefited from their professional therapeutic grief support services. All Lost & Found grief groups are no cost to the families they serve, but the impact on those who experience grief support is priceless. After receiving grief services at Lost & Found:
- 81% of children knew how to express "big grief feelings."
- 86% of teens found a way to carry their grief and move forward in life.
- 94% of parents were better equipped to navigate their grief.
On Thursdays throughout November, Lost & Found invites the public to wear blue to shine a light on the brave children and families in the community who are learning to heal after loss. Together, Lost & Found and its supporters can show grieving children and parents that they are seen, supported, and never alone.
For a full rundown of ways to commemorate Children's Grief Awareness Month, visit our Children's Grief Awareness page.
For more information on Children's Grief Awareness Month, view this report on Childhood bereavement.
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Contact: Mark Miller, Lost and Found Grief Center executive director, (417) 839-2886, mmiller@lostandfoundozarks.com
About Lost & Found Grief Center: Founded in 2000, Lost & Found Grief Center strives to improve lives in the community by providing help, hope, and healing through professional grief support services. The Lost & Found Grief Center works with those who are suffering to provide education and support as they face life without their deceased loved one.
