💜 Free Sympathy Card Printable for Kids to Color 💜

This week, my preschool class and I experienced a heartbreaking reminder of how important it is to show kindness and support during difficult times. Our sweet front desk lady unexpectedly lost her mom, and my Pre-K 3 students wanted to do something special for her.

Since young children don’t always have the words to express sympathy, I created a simple, heartfelt coloring card they could decorate with love. It gave them a way to show they care while practicing empathy in a developmentally appropriate way.

I wanted to share this free printable with you, in case your little ones ever want to brighten someone’s day during a hard time. Just print, color, and let the kids add their own special touches. 💐

👉 Download the Free Sympathy Card Printable

[here]

Sometimes, the smallest gestures can bring the greatest comfort. 💕

Protecting Your Children after a Bereavement: A Guide

How to Involve Children in Memorial Services and Rituals

Talking to children about death can feel overwhelming, but it’s also one of the most important conversations they’ll have with a trusted adult. The way we explain it shapes their understanding, comfort, and coping skills. Here are some tips that can help:

1. Be Honest, But Age-Appropriate

Use clear, simple language. Avoid euphemisms like "went to sleep" or "passed away", which can confuse or even frighten children (for example, making them fear bedtime). For younger children (preschool/early elementary), keep explanations short and concrete: "When someone dies, their body stops working. They don’t breathe, eat, or feel pain anymore". Older children may ask more detailed or spiritual questions, and that’s okay. Meet them where they are.

2. Answer Questions as They Come

Children often revisit the topic again and again. They may ask the same question multiple times; it’s part of processing. Answer gently and consistently. Even if the answer feels repetitive, the consistency gives them reassurance.

3. Normalize Feelings

Let children know it’s okay to feel sad, angry, scared, or even confused. Share that you have feelings too, so they understand emotions are normal and safe to express. Provide outlets like drawing, storytelling, or playing to help them process.

4. Offer Comfort and Security

Reinforce that they are safe and cared for. If the death was of someone close, they may worry about losing others. It helps to say things like, "I plan to be here for a long time, and there are many people who love you and will always take care of you".

5. Use Books and Stories

Picture books are wonderful tools to start conversations. Titles like The Invisible String by Patrice Karst or When Dinosaurs Die by Laurie Krasny Brown can help put big feelings into words. Stories give children a way to talk about death indirectly and ask questions.

6. Respect Their Beliefs (and Yours)

If you’re a person of faith, you can share your beliefs in a comforting way. If you’re not, you can emphasize the importance of memory, love, and the ways people live on in our hearts.

7. Give Them a Role in Goodbyes

If a family member or pet dies, consider small rituals: drawing a picture, lighting a candle, planting a flower, or attending the funeral if appropriate. Participation helps children feel included and provides closure.

8. Keep the Conversation Ongoing

Children’s understanding of death evolves as they grow. What they grasp at age 4 will look different at age 8 or 12. Be open to revisiting the topic when they bring it up again.

👉 Key takeaway: Be honest, compassionate, and open to questions. Children don’t need every answer; they need your presence and reassurance.

Here’s a list of age-specific phrases you can use when teaching children about death. These can help you explain things in ways they’ll understand without overwhelming them.

🌱 Toddlers & Preschoolers (2–5 years old)
Keep it simple and concrete. They may not fully understand permanence.
Use clear, literal language.

Phrases you can use:
“When someone dies, their body stops working. They don’t breathe, eat, or feel anymore.”
“Grandpa died. That means we won’t see him anymore, but we can remember him and talk about him.”
“It’s okay to feel sad. I feel sad too.”
“You are safe. I’m here to take care of you.”

🧒 Early Elementary (6–8 years old)
Kids begin to understand death is permanent but may still be curious about details.
They may ask practical or even blunt questions.

Phrases you can use:
“When people die, their bodies stop working forever. They don’t feel pain anymore.”
“Everyone and everything that is alive will someday die, but usually people live until they are very, very old.”
“It’s okay to miss Grandma. We can look at pictures or share stories to remember her.”
“Do you have any questions? You can ask me anything.”

👦 Older Elementary (9–12 years old)
They have a more mature grasp of death’s finality.
They may wonder about spiritual, scientific, or moral questions.

Phrases you can use:
“Yes, death is permanent. It’s something every living thing goes through.”
“Different people believe different things about what happens after death. In our family, we believe ___.”
“It’s normal to feel sad, angry, or even confused. All those feelings are okay.”
“I’m here to listen whenever you want to talk, even if it’s months from now.”

🧑 Teens (13+)
Teens often wrestle with deeper questions: meaning, fairness, spirituality.
They may not want to talk directly but appreciate honesty and respect.

Phrases you can use:
“I don’t have all the answers, but I’ll be honest with you about what I believe.”
“It’s okay to grieve in your own way. Some people cry, some write, some don’t want to talk right away, all of that is normal.” “Losing someone can change the way we see life. If you ever feel overwhelmed, you can come to me, or we can find someone safe to talk to.”
“I miss them too. You’re not alone in this.”

✨ Extra tip: Sometimes kids don’t have words for their feelings, so offering drawing, play, or journaling can give them a safe outlet.

Nanny to Mommy