SPRINGFIELD, MO — In recognition of Children’s Grief Awareness Month this November, Lost & Found Grief Center joins other members of the National Alliance for Children’s Grief to “Flip the Script” on grief.  

Throughout the month, Lost & Found is committed to providing essential tools and resources to foster a more grief-informed society. This initiative, created by NACG with support from national childhood grief organizations, Dougy Center,  Eluna, Experience Camps, and Judi’s House, seeks to address the common challenges people face when supporting those who are grieving, aiming to replace potentially hurtful statements or silence with action-based responses. 

Drawing directly from the feedback of young people who are grieving, the campaign encourages individuals, communities, and professionals to shift away from hurtful and dismissive words often said to young people who are grieving. The responses from young people highlighted the painful impact of common phrases like “it’ll be fine” or “that sucks,” which can isolate and invalidate what is, for many, a deeply personal experience. Instead, the young people are asking for real, tangible support, replacing these words with actions that genuinely make a difference, such as simply sitting and listening while pressing pause on giving advice and understanding that everyone’s grief experience is unique.  

Young people are asking adults to: 

  • Be present.
  • Listen actively. 
  • Realize that actions speak louder than words. 
  • Press pause on giving advice. 
  • Understand that grief is physical, not just emotional.  
  • Cultivate a supportive environment for sharing. 
  • Empower young people’s voices.
  • Recognize the uniqueness of each person’s grief. 

Children’s Grief Awareness Month serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging and supporting grieving children and their families. According to the JAG Institute’s 2024 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model Report, an alarming statistic underscores the urgency of this effort: 1 in 12 children, or approximately 6.3 million children, in the United States, will experience the death of a parent or sibling by the age of 18. The profound impact of this loss cannot be understated. In 2022 alone, nearly 1,100 children were bereaved every day, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and support for those navigating the complexities of childhood grief.  

Mark Miller, Lost & Found Grief Center’s executive director, emphasized the significance of Children’s Grief Awareness Month, stating, “While the national statistic of 1 in 12 children experiencing the loss of a parent or sibling is alarming, in Missouri, the numbers are even more striking—1 in 10 children will face this profound loss before turning 18. Lost & Found Grief Center is proud to join the ‘Flip the Script’ campaign, raising awareness and empowering our community to support children who are grieving. Together, we can change the conversation and provide the help, hope, and healing these children need.” 

Throughout November, Lost & Found will share actions anyone can take to support young people who are grieving. By fostering a more grief-informed society, we can collectively help alleviate the pain and isolation that grieving children often experience. 

For more information on Children’s Grief Awareness Month and to access valuable resources for supporting children who are grieving, please visit nacg.org and search for #FlipTheScript on Facebook and Instagram. 

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Contact: Mark Miller, Lost and Found Grief Center executive director, (417) 839-2886, mmiller@lostandfoundozarks.com 

About the Lost & Found Grief Center: Founded in 2000, the 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.