Movies to Help Kids Deal with Grief
Movies to Help Kids Deal with Grief
Death can be especially difficult on young children, since they do not always understand the long-term implications of loss or have good coping skills for their grief. Counseling can help, as well as a good support network at home, but it might also be worthwhile to look into movies you can rent and watch at home.
- Lion King (G): There are several Disney movies that do not shy away from the death of a parent. Bambi and Lion King are both great options because the death is an animal instead of a human (making it easier on kids who have recently experienced their own loss).
- Finding Nemo (G): Like Lion King, the story of Finding Nemo begins when Nemo loses his mother and siblings, leaving him to carve his own path with his remaining parent.
- Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (PG): This movie is based on a book series in which three children lose their parents. Although their perils include escaping an evil villain who wants to steal their fortune, the kids also have to regularly deal with their loss.
- Harry Potter (PG): The Harry Potter franchise revolves around magic, friendships, and fighting evil but there is also a large focus on the death of Harry’s parents and how that shapes Harry’s life.
- Charlotte’s Web (G): Most of the movies on this list deal with the death of a parent, which is not always the situation with children and grief. Charlotte’s Web is a timeless story about the death of a beloved friend instead, and handles it in an honest and natural way that connects with kids of all ages.
- Coco (PG): A more recent release than the other movies on this list, Coco deals directly with ideas and beliefs related to the afterworld. It can be a great starting point for discussions about what happens after you die and how you can go on cherishing the memories of those you love.
- My Girl (PG-13): This movie is better for older audiences, since it touches on more mature themes of death. Not only does the main character lose her mother and best friend, but her father works in a funeral home, making death something that is an every day part of her life.
Although a movie can never replace a heartfelt talk, it can provide a framework for kids to understand death and beginning the conversation—especially if this is their first time encountering it. You should always watch these movies with your children and be prepared to answer any questions they may have afterwards.
Please share your thoughts on this article
Related articles
How to Tell When Grief Becomes Unhealthy
When a loved one dies, it is normal to feel a wide range of grief-related emotions—most of which run along a huge spectrum of possibilities. You might feel emotionally disconnected from the loss and not show any immediate signs of grief…or yo... more »
Writing a Sympathy Card for a Suicide
Knowing what to write to someone who lost a loved one due to suicide is very difficult. On the one hand, you want to express your unconditional love and support to someone who is going through one of the worst experiences of their life. On the o... more »
What to Send to a Funeral for Suicide
When a friend or relative dies, it is common to send a sympathy gift in the form of flowers, food, or a card. This gesture lets the family know that you are thinking of them at a difficult time and that you are available for emotional support whe... more »
