“Memories Are Forever” Grief Diary for Ages 5–12

The Kenzie's Gift Memories are Forever kit has some ideas, tips, tools, and things to think about to help you improve your health and wellbeing during this tough time.

Free Hard Copy

The death of a loved one can feel confusing and scary—especially for younger children. To help them navigate overwhelming emotions and preserve cherished memories, Kenzie’s Gift offers the “Memories Are Forever” Grief Diary for ages 5–12.” This playful yet comforting resource is packed with age-appropriate activities, colorful illustrations, and gentle prompts that turn confusion into understanding, and big feelings into manageable steps toward healing.

Why This Grief Diary Matters

Child-Friendly Design

The diary’s bright visuals and interactive pages engage a child’s natural curiosity, offering them a safe space to draw, write, and express emotions. Fun elements—like sticker placement and simple journaling prompts—help maintain their interest and encourage creativity throughout the grieving process.

Guided Support for Caregivers

Parents, teachers, and guardians can walk alongside children as they use the diary, opening up conversations about tough topics. The included tips and quotes make it easier for adults to explain death, acknowledge fears, and build trust in a way that resonates with a child’s understanding of the world.

Holistic Focus on Emotions & Routines

Younger children may not yet have the language to talk about their feelings, which can manifest as changes in sleep, appetite, or general mood. This diary offers gentle strategies for identifying different emotions, suggests physical activities to cope, and underscores the importance of day-to-day routines and self-care.

Positive Memory-Building Activities

From creating a “whānau tree” to building a memory box, children find hands-on ways to remember their loved one. These personal rituals help them retain a positive connection to the past while gradually adapting to life’s “new normal.”

What Your Child Will Discover

All About Me

The diary begins with a child-centered exploration of their likes, routines, and family details—reminding them they’re still themselves, even in the wake of loss. Filling these pages can boost self-esteem and give kids a sense of stability.

Understanding Grief

With gentle language, the diary explains that grief comes and goes, and that feeling sad, angry, or confused is normal. Children learn simple coping strategies—like breathing exercises or journaling with crayons and stickers—to handle scary emotions.

Sharing Memories

Through guided prompts, kids reflect on who their special person was, what they loved doing together, and what made them laugh. Activities like “draw your favorite memory” or “write a short letter to them” help preserve the love they shared.

Dealing with Feelings

By labeling emotions and discussing ways to handle them, the diary demystifies “big feelings” and encourages kids to speak up. It also empowers them to communicate these needs to parents, teachers, or a trusted adult.

Support Networks

Children are prompted to list the people who care about them—family members, friends, counselors—so they know exactly who to turn to when they need a listening ear or some extra support.

Open-Ended Space

The final “My Stuff” section invites freeform drawings, notes, or keepsakes, encouraging kids to make the diary truly their own. This section is ideal for children who like to color, paste stickers, or write poems.

Download or Order “Memories Are Forever” Grief Diary (Ages 5–12)

If your child is wrestling with the confusion of death and the big emotions of grief, download or order the “Memories Are Forever” Grief Diary for ages 5–12 from Kenzie’s Gift. With kind words, delightful artwork, and straightforward exercises, this resource supports children through the storm of grief, at a pace that respects their age and unique personality.

How to Get Your Copy

  1. Choose: Opt for an instant digital version or request a physical copy if you’d prefer a hands-on workbook.
  2. Contact Us: hello@kenziesgift.com if you have questions, need guidance, or want additional support options.

Creating a Gentle Path Forward

The “Memories Are Forever” Grief Diary for 5–12-year-olds bridges the gap between heartbreak and understanding. By coupling compassionate guidance with interactive fun, it helps children hold onto precious memories while gently moving forward.

For our FREE interactive hard copy support kits please contact us via the form at the bottom of the page.

The free kits are available to you if your tamariki and rangatahi are affected by serious illness or grief. We also have digital guides for parents/caregivers.
This support kit was developed with much aroha to assist our young Kiwis affected by serious illness or grief. We kindly request a koha of $5 to download the digital kit. This contribution helps ensure we can continue to expand our resources library with new initiatives to support our tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau. Thank you for your understanding and aroha.
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