When a family experiences loss, the grief doesn’t belong to parents alone. Siblings carry it too—in whispers, in silence, in ways that often go unseen. At Sage & Stone Holistic Counseling, we believe every child’s heart deserves space to grieve, remember, and heal. This post shares gentle ways to honor and support siblings through loss.

Grief is never easy, and when a baby’s life ends too soon, the impact ripples through the entire family. Parents often receive the most attention and care—and understandably so—but in the shadows, siblings grieve too.

A big sister once whispered, “I don’t want to go into the baby’s room anymore. It makes me sad.”
Her words held the weight of a grief too big for her small heart. While adults around her were openly mourning, she carried her sorrow quietly, unsure if it was okay to speak her feelings aloud.

This is the reality for many children. Their grief often shows up in subtle ways—withdrawal, big emotions, sudden anger, or even pretending nothing has changed. And yet, their hearts deserve just as much compassion and support as their parents’.

Why Children’s Grief Looks Different

Children experience grief differently from adults. Depending on their age and development, they may not fully understand what death means. Instead, they may express their grief through behavior, play, or questions that seem to come out of nowhere.

Too often, families try to shield children with silence, believing they are protecting them. But silence doesn’t protect—it isolates. Children need honesty, connection, and safe spaces to express what they’re feeling.

4 Ways to Support Siblings Through Grief

✨ 1. Talk honestly
Use clear, age-appropriate language. Avoid vague phrases like “went to sleep” or “gone away,” which can confuse and frighten children. Simple, truthful words help them make sense of their experience.

✨ 2. Create rituals
Rituals give children something tangible to hold onto. Memory boxes, lighting a candle, drawing pictures, or planting a tree are all ways to honor their sibling and keep their love alive.

✨ 3. Encourage expression
Let children cry, ask questions, or even express anger. Their feelings may come and go in waves, just like adults’. Assure them that every feeling is valid.

✨ 4. Offer safe support
Sometimes, children need more than their family can provide. Counseling, grief groups, or trusted mentors can give them a safe place to explore their feelings without judgment.

Healing Together

At Sage & Stone Holistic Counseling, we believe that grief is a family journey. Parents, siblings, and caregivers all carry pieces of the loss—and healing begins when every voice is heard.

To every brother and sister who carries a sibling’s memory in their heart: your grief is real, your love is seen, and your story matters. 💜

✨ If your family is grieving, you don’t have to walk this journey alone. At Sage & Stone Holistic Counseling, we offer gentle, trauma-informed support for parents, siblings, and caregivers—honoring every story of love and loss. Together, we can create space for healing and hope.

💜 Reach out today to learn how we can walk alongside you.

Contact Sage & Stone Holistic Counseling