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“Flip the Script” is a concept often used to challenge and change common narratives or behaviors that are unhelpful or harmful. In the context of children’s grief, the “Flip the Script” campaign aims to spotlight and challenge things people often say to young people who are grieving that aren’t helpful. By “flipping the script,” the campaign seeks to replace these unhelpful words with more supportive, empathetic alternatives, encouraging better understanding and communication about grief.

As a group, we invited young people who are grieving to share the hurtful or unhelpful comments they have heard and asked them to suggest what would have been more helpful for them to hear.  Their feedback pointed to a clear need for us to do better when we offer support. Join us in sharing with communities across the country how we show up with the support that young people who are grieving deserve.

For the second year, this campaign was developed collaboratively with Dougy Center, Eluna, Experience Camps, Judi’s House, and the NACG.  Together with everyone who participates in the campaign, we identify as the National Movement for Children’s Grief Awareness, and we hope you will join us.

How to Flip the Script this November

#FliptheScript by Taking Action

 

Hover over the boxes below to learn more about how to flip the script based on the action listed in the box.

Be present.

Emphasize the importance of being physically present for young people who are grieving rather than trying to find the “perfect” words. Showcase actions that demonstrate care and attention, such as simply sitting with the child or engaging in a shared activity without the pressure of conversation.

Listen actively.

Promote the value of listening to what young people who are grieving feel and want to express without interruption or immediate responses. Highlight the impact of being a comforting presence that prioritizes understanding over-responding.

Actions speak louder than words.

Focus on the importance of follow-through. When adults promise support or specific actions, it is crucial to ensure these promises are kept. This reinforces trust and provides tangible support that young people who are grieving can rely on.

Press pause on advice.

Discourage the use of clichés and prescriptive statements about how to grieve, how long to grieve, or what to feel. Encourage open-ended questions and responses that allow the young people to lead the conversation according to their needs.

Get moving: Grief is physical, not just emotional.

Address the physical manifestations of grief, not just the emotional. Encourage physical activities that might help young people express and cope with their grief, like walking, playing, or other gentle physical engagement.

Cultivate a supportive environment for sharing.

Stress the importance of creating a non-judgmental space for young people to express their grief. This involves not only verbal communication but also non-verbal cues that show understanding and compassion.

Recognize the uniqueness of each person’s grief.

Acknowledge that every young person is unique, as is their grief experience and their relationship to the person who died. Tailor interactions to their context, relationship, and personality. Avoid one-size-fits-all approaches and instead offer personalized support based on the child’s cues.

Empower young people's voices.

Allow them to share their own stories and feelings.

Social Graphics:

Click on the image to download or click HERE to download all graphics.


The Partner Toolkit includes everything you need to share the actions in your social posts throughout the month. 

Become a Partner in Flip the Script

Become a part of the campaign by sharing resources like graphics, social posts, and ways to flip the script.

What does it mean to participate? Participating individuals or organizations will:

  • On the dates listed on the scripts, post the flip for that day on your social media. All scripts are shared in the partner toolkit You can create your own graphics or use graphics shared on this page.
  • Use the hashtags #flipthescript and #childhoodgrief in your posts
  • Tag NACG in your posts (@NACGnews, @childrengrieve on Instagram)

To access the form to join the National Movement for Children’s Grief Awareness and commit to these three actions, click on the “Become a Partner” button below. All partners will be listed at the bottom of this webpage. Templates, texts, and scripts are being provided in advance so you can prepare, but remember, we don’t share graphics until November 1!  We want to get the maximum impact in launching the campaign together.

Steering Committee:

Partners: