Grief and loss are challenging topics for anyone, but they can be particularly complex for children. In a recent episode of Face the Issues, Sam Chen had an insightful conversation with Andrea Coyne, author of the children’s book, Hope is a Blanket. Andrea’s book provides an important resource for parents and caregivers, offering a gentle yet profound way for how to help children with grief after a loss, as they process their emotions about it.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key takeaways from their conversation and discuss how Hope is a Blanket can be a tool for fostering hope and healing in children.

Children and Grief: Why they Need Tools for Coping with this Emotion

As Andrea Coyne explains in the episode, children are far more emotionally aware than many adults realize. Even at a young age, they experience deep emotions like sorrow, loss, and grief. These feelings can be overwhelming, especially when children don’t fully understand what is happening around them. Often, parents may shy away from discussing these difficult emotions, hoping to shield their children from pain and grief. However, as Andrea emphasizes, avoiding these conversations can leave children feeling confused and isolated.

Research shows that children can understand concepts of loss, even at a young age. When parents take the time to explain grief in ways that children can grasp, it not only helps them process their own emotions but also teaches them valuable life lessons about resilience and hope.

The Story Behind Hope is a Blanket

Andrea Coyne’s book was born out of her personal experience with grief. After experiencing a miscarriage, Andrea was faced with the task of helping her six-year-old son navigate the shared loss. It was during this difficult time that she realized how important it is to talk openly with children about grief. Inspired by her own journey, Andrea crafted Hope is a Blanket to help other families deal with similar struggles.

The book tells the story of a little goose who loses his beloved blanket at bedtime. As he and his mother search for the blanket throughout their home, the mother uses the journey as a metaphor for explaining hope. Through different activities—playing hide and seek, using the blanket for picnics, and cleaning it in the laundry room—the story illustrates the idea that hope can be found even in the most difficult moments. In the end, the little goose finds his blanket and, with it, a sense of peace.

While the book is written for children, its message resonates deeply with readers of all ages. It offers comfort, showing that even in times of loss, hope is always present. As Andrea mentions in the episode, the book is not just about explaining grief, but about helping children see that healing is possible.

Starting Conversations with Children about Grief and Loss

One of the key points Andrea and Sam discuss is the importance of creating space for children to ask questions and express their feelings. When children experience loss—whether it’s the death of a loved one, the passing of a pet, or even the departure of a close friend—they need to be given the opportunity to process their emotions. Hope is a Blanket serves as a tool for starting those important conversations.

Andrea suggests that parents can use bedtime, a quiet and reflective time, to open dialogue with their children. She also advises letting children lead the conversation by asking their own questions. This approach allows kids to express what they’re feeling in their own way, rather than overwhelming them with too much information all at once.

In the episode, Andrea highlights that every child is different, and it’s crucial for parents to gauge how much their child is ready to hear. The goal is not to solve grief in a single conversation but to provide ongoing support and reassurance that their feelings are valid and important.

Hope as a Healing Tool

A significant theme in both Hope is a Blanket and Andrea’s conversation with Sam is the power of hope. In the face of loss, hope becomes a tool that children—and adults—can hold onto. For Andrea, the process of writing the book was itself a journey of hope and healing. By turning her own grief into something beautiful and purposeful, she has provided a resource that can help countless families find their way through dark times.

Hope doesn’t mean that grief disappears, but it does remind us that there is light at the end of the tunnel. As Andrea’s book illustrates, hope can be as simple as finding a lost blanket, or as profound as finding peace after the loss of a loved one.

Watch our Episode Discussing Children and Grief on Face the Issues with Andrea Coyne

Andrea’s conversation with Sam Chen on Face the Issues is a must-watch for anyone looking to support children through grief. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this episode provides valuable insights on how to help the little ones in your life navigate loss with grace and understanding. Andrea’s message is clear: with the right support, children can learn that even in sadness, there is always hope.