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LifeLivedWell

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The Sad Panda collection

"Children are often the forgotten grievers". -David Kessler

Young children experience grief in ways that can be quite different from adults. Their understanding of death evolves as they grow, often displaying confusion, curiosity, and occasional regressions in behavior. They might not grasp the permanence of loss and may express grief through play, asking repetitive questions, or exhibiting changes in behavior such as clinginess or withdrawal. Creating a safe space for them to express emotions, using age-appropriate language, and offering consistent support are crucial in helping them navigate through their grief. 


The Sad Panda Collection was designed to help adults guide young children through grief.

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looking for resources designed for grieving adults? Look Here

help children navigate grief

The Sad Panda Collection

These interactive children's books were written to help little ones navigate grief well. 


Although each book is valuable on its own, to offer comfort and healthy direction, it is suggested that each child have their own copy of Sad Panda and each Bereavement Buddy have their own copy of the Companion Guide. 

What is a Bereavement Buddy

Children's books for ages 2- 8+ yrs

Sad Panda: An Interactive Book for Grieving Children

 8x8 softcover book includes:

  • writing pages to record the growth process
  • space for drawings & special pictures
  • simple illustrations so struggling kids can project and process grief with or through Sad Panda
  • honest language kids can understand
  • meaningful questions to help partnering adults assess their grief


Sad Panda was written for children ages 2-8+. It centers on a simple character, Sad Panda, who is sad because someone he loves has died.

  • Illustrations are intentionally sparse to provide plenty of white space for children to draw their own details, project their feelings onto Panda without any guilt or fear of how a parent or others might react, and guard against further feelings of isolation through details in pictures that may not reflect their life or experience.
  • Simple prompts and lined writing pages are provided throughout to help a child process their own thoughts.
  • The 3-fold purpose includes:
    • an opportunity for a child to connect Sad Panda's story to their own in a non-threatening way
    • a meaningful way to create memories for the child to be able to look back on over time and healing
    • a written record for a loving adult/therapist to refer to (whether the child is old enough to write or the adult writes for the child) as needed.

Sad Panda: An interactive book to help grieving children
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The Companion Guide for adults who love a grieving child

A Companion Guide to Sad Panda

 8x8 softcover book includes:

  • developmental stages of children as it influences their ability to process grief
  • how grief shows up in young children
  • how to provide meaningful support
  • immediate and future risks of grief in early childhood
  • early signs that more intervention is needed for future success

A Companion Guide to Sad Panda: For Parents and Other Bereavement Buddies is intended for adults.

  • This “quick reference guide” explains the important role of a "Bereavement Buddy".
  • It details appropriate language and critical ways to communicate along the way to allay fear and rebuild security for a child.
  • It includes a plan for telling a child that a loved one has died, walks through a child's stages of development, discusses how grief may appear in each stage, and even reviews how deep loss affects a child's development.
  • Lined pages and reflection prompts help a Bereavement Buddy to plan, prepare, and process their personalized navigation "plan" in a natural way.
  • The 3-fold purpose includes:
    • confidence-building based on knowledge and preparation
    • a "culture" of assessing and adjusting without judgment to best meet the child's needs
    • support to ensure that a Bereavement Buddy maintains appropriate mental health to continue assisting well.

A Companion Guide to Sad Panda
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New Journal for adults

Reflections in Grief: a short journal for a long journey

$10.00
Pay with PayPal or a debit/credit card

"Reflections of Grief: A short journal for a long journey" is a heartfelt tool designed to accompany you on your grief journey. 


Buy now and have it sent directly to your email.


I'm really proud of my newest journal designed for adult grievers. To celebrate, I'm sharing 2 prompts from the full journal as free downloads. Choose one or take them both. Use them yourself or share with a friend...or both!

The full journal is ONLY available here.

Download SAMPLE PROMPTS FREE

(1) Ref of Grief_Coping Mechanisms (pdf)

Download

(2) Ref of Grief_Rediscovering Purpose (pdf)

Download

The Journal for young teens

Sad Panda: The Journal

8.5 x 11 Full-Size Journal guides pre-teens and older grievers through the uncertain and often scary process of mourning.

  • Pages are purposefully not dated to avoid any unhealthy compulsion to write or guilt for not writing
  • Ample space is provided to write out thoughts, feelings, and questions.
  • Special pages are provided to add pictures, drawings, and other special memories to help young grievers find ways to connect and bring their loved ones along without fear of "forgetting".
  • Pages allow space to save memories and encouragements, write inspiring quotes from their loved one or others, and even record questions and address fears.
  • Prompts are repeated cyclically throughout the journal to provide visual progress of growth as the user looks back on previous writings.
  • "Contact" pages are included reinforce the importance of a support system and to conveniently keep track of it visually as it grows.

Sad Panda: a journal for pre-teens
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Plush Panda bereavement buddy

What is a Bereavement Buddy?

Put simply, a Bereavement Buddy is someone who comes alongside a child during a time of grief to provide support and help navigating the uncertainty and isolation of mourning.


A Bereavemenet Buddy is someone with whom, a child can:

  • share their curiosity and ask tough questions without judgment or fear of upsetting them.
  • discuss their fears surrounding death in a safe and relatively matter-of-fact manner.
  • count on to speak truth instead of using unhelpful & often confusing euphemisms.
  • look to for security and guidance during the uncertainty of change and loss.
  • expect to follow up with them long after the event.

conceptual model of a Bereavement Buddy

bereavement buddy conceptual model

Bereavement Buddies

fill the gap, create stability, and provide support 

pages of A Companion Guide to Sad Panda

The Companion Guide

provides facts, guidance, & support for Bereavement Buddies

Grieving children are at risk

Check out this video to learn more about grieving children

Shop the Sad Panda Merch Store Here

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