This November, Lost & Found Grief Center recognizes Children’s Grief Awareness Month by raising awareness and encouraging the community to reflect hope for grieving children and families.
According to the JAG Institute’s 2026 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.
“Since our founding in 2000, thousands of grieving people have come through our doors seeking help, hope, and healing,” said Mark Miller, executive director of Lost & Found Grief Center. “All those people who have suffered a tragic loss but go on to thrive and move forward with optimism reflect hope onto those who are newly bereaved.”
Adults can reflect 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.
Thursday, November 19, is Children’s Grief Awareness Day. 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.
Find a full rundown of ways to commemorate Children’s Grief Awareness Month on our Children’s Grief Awareness page.
For more information on Children’s Grief Awareness Month, visit the National Alliance for Children’s Grief.
Contact: Mark Miller, Executive Director, (417) 865-9998, mmiller@lostandfoundozarks.com