Local opinion: How Tucson Is coming together to support bereaved children

and analysis of the writer:

In Arizona, the number of children experiencing the death of a loved one continues to grow — and the impact is profound. Grief changes lives. It reshapes families. And for children, it can alter their sense of safety and belonging in the world.

November is Children’s Grief Awareness Month, a time to honor the experiences of grieving children and shine a light on the importance of community support. At Tu Nidito Children & Family Services, our mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure that no child grieves alone.

According to the Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model developed by Judi’s House, 1 in 10 Arizona children will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. By the age of 25, more than 369,000 young people in our state will be bereaved due to the death of a parent or sibling. These numbers remind us that childhood grief is not rare — it’s a public health issue that affects classrooms, childhood development, relationships, sports teams, and neighborhoods across Tucson.

At Tu Nidito, we see firsthand the courage and resilience of grieving children and families. Last year alone, we served 1,117 individuals through our support groups and one-on-one services and reached an additional 1,007 community members through grief education and response programs. This life-changing work is made possible thanks to the 191 compassionate volunteers and board members and the generosity of our Tucson partners.

One such partnership will come to life on Nov. 15, bringing grief support and healing into a space of play, connection, and community. The Children’s Museum of Tucson is participating in Healing with Play, a nationwide initiative led by the Association of Children’s Museums, Knology, and the New York Life Foundation. Together, we’re creating a special evening where families who have experienced the death of a loved one are invited to attend a Tu Nidito support group night at the Museum.

During the free event, which will run from 4:30-6:30, Tu Nidito staff, alongside trained volunteers, will lead sharing circles for children and teens, grouped by age — from our youngest participants, starting at age four, through high schoolers. In these circles, participants will be making a Memory Garden; a place where we can grow love and memories, even when someone has died. Whether they choose to speak or simply listen, each child has the opportunity to reflect, connect, and feel understood by others who have also experienced a death.

Following the hour-long sharing circles, families are invited to explore the Museum together. This time offers a joyful reminder that moments of play and discovery can coexist with grief—and that healing often begins in ordinary, shared experiences. Registration is required to attend.

Through conversation, storytelling, and hands-on activities, we help normalize discussions about death and loss — helping children feel seen, supported, and not alone.

Grief doesn’t disappear when the month ends. But partnerships like these — between caring organizations, volunteers, and our wider Tucson community — remind grieving families that healing begins when we show up for one another.

If you know a child or family struggling with loss, remind them that they are not alone. Tu Nidito is here to help. Together, we can create a community where every child can find hope, healing, and connection—even in the face of loss.

To learn more or get involved, visit tunidito.org.