What is The HELP Method™?
A framework for supporting grieving children and youth.
Each letter represents a step in the healing process:
H– Have the Hard and Honest Conversations
Don’t shy away from the truth. Children need honesty delivered with love and clarity. Avoid clichés or “softening” the facts — they deserve respect and real language about what has happened.
E– Express Yourself
Model healthy grief by expressing your own emotions. Let them see tears, hear your stories, and understand that feelings aren’t to be hidden. Your openness gives them permission to do the same.
L– Lean in, Love More, Let Them Lead Sometimes
Be present, offer comfort, and listen deeply. Sometimes children will want to talk, sometimes they won’t. Follow their cues, meet them where they are, and remind them they are not alone.
P– Have Patience
Grief takes time, especially for kids who may revisit their loss at different developmental stages. Be willing to circle back, answer the same questions again, and walk with them at their pace.
Why It Matters
Supporting children in grief isn’t about having the perfect words — it’s about presence, patience, and honesty. The HELP Method gives you a guide so you don’t feel lost, and so they never feel alone.
Want to go deeper? The HELP Method book expands each step with real-world examples, tools, and encouragement for parents, caregivers, and communities.
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