How to Keep a Grandparent's Memory Alive for Young Kids

Practical ways to help children remember and stay connected to a grandparent who has passed away or lives far away.

1. Create a Memory Box Together. Gather special items that remind your child of their grandparent in a decorated box or photo album. Include photos, letters, small mementos like jewelry or a favorite handkerchief, and items that smell like them such as perfume or aftershave on a cloth. Let your child choose what goes in the box and decorate it however they like. Keep the memory box accessible so your child can look through it whenever they want to feel close to their grandparent.
2. Share Stories Regularly. Make storytelling about grandparent a regular part of your routine. Share funny stories, family history, and memories of what grandparent was like when you were young. Ask other family members to share their favorite memories too. Record yourself or other relatives telling these stories so your child can listen to them independently. Create a simple family tree with photos to help your child understand their place in the family story.
3. Continue Grandparent's Traditions. Keep doing things your child used to do with their grandparent or things the grandparent loved. This might mean making their special recipe together, watching their favorite movie, listening to music they enjoyed, or continuing holiday traditions they started. Explain to your child that by doing these activities, you're honoring grandparent's memory and keeping their spirit alive in your family.
4. Create New Rituals of Remembrance. Establish special ways to remember grandparent on important days like birthdays, holidays, or the anniversary of their passing. You might light a candle, visit their favorite place, donate to a charity they cared about, or do an act of kindness in their honor. Let your child help plan these activities so they feel actively involved in keeping the memory alive.
5. Make Memory Projects. Create lasting keepsakes that celebrate your grandparent's life. Make a photo book or scrapbook together, record family members sharing memories on video, or create artwork inspired by things grandparent loved. You might plant a garden with their favorite flowers, make a playlist of songs that remind you of them, or write letters to grandparent that you keep in a special place.
6. Talk About Feelings Openly. Encourage your child to express their emotions about missing their grandparent. It's normal for children to feel sad, confused, or even angry. Validate these feelings and share your own emotions too. Explain that talking about someone who has died doesn't make us sadder - it actually helps us feel closer to them. Let your child know it's okay to laugh about funny memories and that feeling happy when thinking about grandparent is perfectly normal.