Child Loss Resources

There is no proper way to introduce this page — no right words exist. But there are resources that may provide a tiny slice of comfort and validation. This page is frequently updated. 

Books specific to child-loss

  • Comfort: A Journey Through Grief by Ann Hood | Ann's 5 year-old daughter, Grace, died suddenly and unexpectedly from strep throat. Ann's book shows the day-to-day experience of living with heart-breaking loss, how she lost almost everything that made her the person she was, and then how she once more found hope in the future. 
  • Finding the Words by Colin Campbell | Colin's children, Ruby and Hart, were killed by an intoxicated driver while heading with their parents for a weekend getaway. Full of practical advice on how to survive in the aftermath of loss, Colin encourages grievers to actively reach out to their community, perform mourning rituals, and find ways to express their grief, so they can live more fully while also holding their loved ones close,.
  • Once More We Saw Stars by Jayson Greene | Jayson's daughter, Greta, was killed in an accident while sitting on a bench in her grandmother's NYC neighborhood. Jayson's writing is truly beautiful and the way he speaks of the accident and life after is incredibly poignant. 

  • Resilient Grieving by Lucy Hone | Lucy lost her 12-year-old daughter unexpectedly in a car accident in 2014. Lucy was already a scholar of resilience, and so she used what she had studied to think about her own life following this great tragedy. 
  • The Still Point In The Turning World by Emily Rapp Black | Emily's son, Rowan, was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs, a life-limiting terminal illness, when he was 9 months old. An introduction to Emily's story and writing can be in her 2011 New York Times op-ed.   

  • Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala | Sonali lost her two sons, husband and parents in the 2004 Tsunami. 

Books that may also help (that are not specific to child-loss)

  • Jacqueline Dooley has written many essays about her grief and her daughter, Ana, who died from cancer in 2017. 

Podcasts

  • Terrible, Thanks for Asking — Though new episodes are no longer being made, there is a huge backlog. For parents living after their child's overdoes, this episode is a good place to start and features a mother and sister talking about a son/brother. Here Bryson's parents talk about their son who died from SIDS. And Jayson Greene (his book is linked above) talks about his daughter, Greta, who died unexpectedly when she was 2. 

  • Last Day Podcast —  This podcast delves into the pivotal moments that profoundly and permanently alter our lives. Each week, Stephanie Wittels Wachs, the host and co-founder of Lemonada Media known for her compelling exploration of the dualities of darkness and light, engages with a new guest to uncover stories that blend happiness and sadness, illustrating themes of resilience, survival, and transformation.

Retreats & Conferences

  • Camp Sunshine — A free camp in southern Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Every year they host 1-2 bereavement themed weeks. Their facility offers traditional camp-like activities as well as support groups for siblings and parents.

  • Faith's Lodge — A northern Wisconsin lodge that provides programming for parents and families after the death of a child. A peaceful space to connect with other families who are also living with grief. 

  • The Compassionate Friends hosts a national conference every year. A long weekend of workshops and discussion groups led by other bereaved parents. 

    Support Groups

    • Bereaved Parents of the USA — A national nonprofit to support bereaved parents. Chapters in all 50 states, though not as widespread as the Compassionate Friends. 

    • Compassionate Friends — An international nonprofit with groups all over the country. They also host an annual conference. Group is open to parents, grandparents and siblings.

    • The Dinner Party — For people between 20-40 living with grief. It is not specific to child-loss, but an opportunity to connect with other bereaved young-adults.