A Healing Companion for Young Hearts: Review of How I Feel: Grief Journal for Kids by Mia Roldan LCSW LCDC

Introduction: A Gentle Guide Through Grief

Grief is a heavy emotion, especially for children who may not yet have the vocabulary or emotional tools to process loss. How I Feel: Grief Journal for Kids by Mia Roldan LCSW LCDC is a tender, insightful, and interactive guide designed to help young minds navigate the turbulent waters of grief. Unlike traditional storybooks, this journal offers a structured yet flexible space for kids to explore their emotions through prompts, activities, and reflections.

As a parent, educator, or caregiver, finding resources that genuinely resonate with children during difficult times can be challenging. Roldan, a licensed clinical social worker and chemical dependency counselor, brings both professional expertise and deep empathy to this project. The result is a book that doesn’t just talk about grief—it invites children to engage with their feelings in a safe, nurturing way.

What’s Inside? A Guided Journey Through Emotions

While this isn’t a traditional book with a plot, its structure is carefully designed to mirror the emotional journey of grief. The journal is divided into sections that gently guide children through:

  • Identifying Emotions – Simple prompts help kids name what they’re feeling, whether it’s sadness, anger, confusion, or even moments of happiness.
  • Memory Keeping – Activities encourage children to honor their loved ones through drawings, stories, and keepsakes.
  • Coping Strategies – Practical exercises teach mindfulness, breathing techniques, and other grounding methods.
  • Moving Forward – The journal doesn’t rush healing but helps kids recognize that grief evolves over time.

One of the most powerful aspects of this journal is its non-linear approach. Kids can skip around, revisit sections, or work through it at their own pace—an essential feature for a process as personal as grief.

Character Analysis: The Child as the Protagonist

In a unique twist, the child is the main character of this journal. Unlike storybooks where fictional characters model grief responses, this journal puts the young reader in the driver’s seat. The prompts act as gentle co-narrators, helping them articulate thoughts they may not yet fully understand.

For example:

  • “Draw a picture of a time you felt really happy with the person you miss.”
  • “If your feelings were a weather forecast, what would they be today?”

These exercises empower kids to externalize their emotions, making them less overwhelming. The journal doesn’t dictate how they should feel—it simply holds space for whatever arises.

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Compassionate and Accessible

Roldan’s background in therapy shines through in her warm, conversational tone. The language is simple but never condescending, making it accessible for kids as young as 6 or 7 while still meaningful for pre-teens.

The journal avoids clinical jargon, instead using metaphors and imagery that resonate with children:

  • “Grief is like a wave—sometimes it’s small, and other times it feels huge.”
  • “Your heart might feel like a puzzle with missing pieces.”

Themes & Deeper Meanings: More Than Just a Journal

Beyond grief, this book subtly teaches emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-compassion. Key themes include:

  • Validation – Many children (and adults) struggle with feeling “wrong” for their emotions. This journal reassures them that all feelings are okay.
  • Connection – By preserving memories, kids learn that love doesn’t disappear with loss.
  • Hope – While acknowledging pain, the journal gently points toward healing without forcing premature closure.

Personal Reading Experience: Why This Journal Stands Out

As someone who has worked with grieving children, I was struck by how practical yet profound this journal is. Unlike some workbooks that feel overly prescriptive, Roldan’s prompts leave room for individuality.

One exercise that stood out to me was:
“Write a letter to your loved one. You can tell them anything—what you miss, what makes you mad, or even something funny you remember.”

This kind of prompt doesn’t just facilitate expression—it normalizes the complexity of grief, where sadness, anger, and laughter can coexist.

Comparison to Other Grief Books for Kids

Many children’s grief books fall into two categories:

  1. Story-driven narratives (e.g., The Invisible String by Patrice Karst) – Great for introducing concepts but less interactive.
  2. Workbooks – Some feel too clinical or rigid.

How I Feel strikes a rare balance—it’s structured yet flexible, therapeutic yet engaging. It’s more personal than a storybook and more creative than a traditional workbook.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✅ Child-Centered Design – The activities are imaginative and age-appropriate.
✅ Therapist-Approved – Roldan’s expertise ensures the content is psychologically sound.
✅ Inclusive – Works for any type of loss (death, divorce, moving, etc.).

Minor Weaknesses:

❌ Limited for Older Kids – While versatile, teens might prefer something more mature.
❌ Requires Guidance – Very young children may need an adult’s help with some prompts.

Who Is This Book For?

  • Children ages 6-12 processing any kind of loss.
  • Parents, teachers, or counselors looking for a therapeutic tool.
  • Gift-givers who want to support a grieving child.

Memorable Quotes & Prompts

A few standout moments:

  • “It’s okay to feel more than one thing at the same time.”
  • “Draw what your heart looks like today.”
  • “If your grief were a color, what would it be?”

Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for Supporting Grieving Kids

How I Feel: Grief Journal for Kids is more than a book—it’s a companion for one of life’s hardest experiences. Mia Roldan has created something truly special: a resource that respects the intelligence and emotional depth of children while giving them the tools to heal.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or therapist, this journal belongs on your shelf. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just sit there—it gets used, loved, and filled with a child’s heart.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

  • How do you typically help children express difficult emotions?
  • Have you used other grief journals or books? How does this one compare?
  • What’s one activity from this journal that you think would resonate most with kids?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! 💙

Get this book on Amazon

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