Grief doesn’t knock before it enters — it walks in and changes everything. When you’re walking through the loss of a child while raising others, that grief takes on new shapes, new sounds, and sometimes, silence.
For families with little ones at home, the journey of grief is layered, tender, and ever-changing — and it looks different for every single one of us.
At the Caislee Rylin Foundation, we know this intimately. We live this.
The Complexity of Grieving While Parenting
Grieving with children in the home means you don’t get to press pause. Meals still need to be made, stories still need to be read, and boo-boos still need to be kissed. Your heart may feel like it’s breaking into a thousand pieces, but you’re still someone’s safe place. And that reality can feel both sacred and impossible.
Some days, the tears come in between diaper changes. Other days, they wait until the house is quiet and little ones are asleep. And then there are days when the weight is too heavy and the joy in their laughter feels like a lifeline.
Kids Grieve Too — Just Differently
Children process loss in their own ways, often in waves or bursts. They might ask questions out of the blue or act out emotions they don’t yet have words for. They may not cry like you do, or they may seem to move on quickly. This doesn’t mean they aren’t grieving — it means they’re doing it in the way their growing hearts know how.
As parents, we often carry the burden of holding space for our children’s grief while trying to navigate our own. It’s okay if it feels hard. It is hard.
There Is No "Right" Way
Grieving as a family doesn't follow a script. Some families need to talk about their baby often, keeping their memory alive in daily conversation. Others may need space and silence before finding their words. Some might create rituals or memory boxes; others might find comfort in art, movement, or prayer.
Your way is the right way — for you. And it’s okay if that changes as time goes on.
Grace Upon Grace
Give yourself grace. Give your children grace. Grief can look like tears, laughter, withdrawal, clinginess, anger, numbness — sometimes all in the same day. Some days will feel gentle, and some will feel stormy. Both are okay.
Let go of the pressure to “grieve perfectly.” There is no such thing. Show up with love. That’s enough.
Anchored in Hope
Here at the Caislee Rylin Foundation, we believe in grief and hope coexisting. We believe in honoring our babies in heaven while continuing to love and care for the children still in our arms. We believe you can be broken and still beautiful. Lost and still leading. Grieving and still growing.
You are not alone on this path — not even on the hard days.
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