Elmien Britz

Making friends can feel easy for some children and incredibly hard for others. Many kids want to connect, play, and feel included, but something gets in the way — shyness, worry about being judged, not knowing what to say, or feeling unsure about how friendships work. The good news is that friendship skills can be learned, practised, and strengthened over time.

When a child is grieving, it can feel like the whole world has shifted for them, even if they can’t fully explain what they’re feeling. Kids don’t move through grief the way adults do. They dip in and out of it. One moment they’re heartbroken, and the next they’re asking to play or watch a show. It’s not avoidance, it’s their mind giving them breaks from emotions that feel too big. Understanding this through a child grief lens helps adults stay steady when a child’s reactions seem confusing....