Kids & Families

What it offers. Free videos, storybooks, games and printable activities for providers serving young children, mostly ages 1 to 6. Its resources now live on sesameworkshop.org.

Guidance we draw from. Be honest and listen. You don't need every answer right away. Look for the fear behind a child's question, such as worry about their own safety. Tell young children clearly that they did not cause what happened. Reassure them about who will keep caring for them. Let them know it's okay to feel happy. Use comfort, touch and simple calming activities, and remember that caring adults are what help children most.

What it doesn't have. We found no Sesame topic dedicated to dementia or memory loss. Its guidance comes from its grief, difficult questions, calming and hard-experiences resources, which transfer well to our audience.

What it offers. Guidance for parents and teachers, kid and teen resource pages, an activity list for families, and a 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 in more than 200 languages.

Guidance we draw from. Answer questions honestly in words a child understands. Children may feel sad, confused, scared, angry, guilty, jealous or embarrassed, and may worry that dementia is contagious or that their parents will get it. Signs of hidden struggle include withdrawal, physical complaints, slipping grades, staying away from home, not inviting friends over and more arguing. Help children cope with regular time together, outlets like journaling, reassurance that their feelings are normal, learning together and a way to take part in care. Its suggested answers cover what dementia is, whether it is contagious (it isn't), why a grandparent uses the wrong name (don't correct them), repeated questions, whether the person will get better and whether they will forget the child (they can still feel the child's love).

What it offers. Guidance from Jennifer Reader, LCSW, AFA's director of educational and social services; the children's books Dancing with Granddad and Gardening with Grandma (ages 5 to 8); and a Helpline at 866-232-8484 staffed by licensed social workers.

Guidance we draw from. Start talking as early as you can, in a calm setting with dedicated time. If the person with Alzheimer's is willing and able, include them, which works best in early stages and should never be forced. Explain that the illness affects memory and speech, that the person still cares, that the changes aren't about the child and that it is no one's fault. Coach children to reintroduce themselves, speak slowly, ask one question at a time, use gentle touch and always ask before hugging. Reassure them that happy feelings can stay even when memories fade.

What it offers. National advocacy for caregiving youth, children under 18 who give significant help to a family or household member who is ill, frail or needs daily help. AACY counts more than 5.4 million caregiving youth in the U.S. Its Caregiving Youth Project in Palm Beach County provides direct services, and its Caregiving Youth Institute leads national research and advocacy.

Guidance we draw from. Caregiving is often hidden, and schools rarely identify the children doing it. Signs include missed health visits, poor attendance, falling grades, anger or sadness, isolation and behavior that can look like ADHD. Pediatricians are encouraged to ask whether a child helps care for someone at home. With support, helping can build purpose and empathy. Without it, children risk stress, health problems and falling behind in school.

What it doesn't have. AACY's public materials focus on recognition, schools and policy rather than a family tip sheet. Our points 9 and 10 carry its message to parents.

What it offers. A global virtual community for sons, daughters and families living with younger-onset dementia, founded by Diana Cose. Its EmpowermentPLUS model includes age-appropriate virtual Youth Clubs for ages 4 to 18 and older, an annual global Youth Summit, care partner clubs and outreach to end stigma. It also runs an in-person Music, Movement and Community program in Chicago.

Guidance we draw from. Children whose parent has younger-onset dementia are often left out of traditional dementia support and can feel isolated and misunderstood. Peer connection, youth voice and responses to stigma are central to its work.

What it doesn't have. We found no public tip sheet for talking with children. Its value to our guide is as a referral for families where a parent, not a grandparent, is living with dementia.

What it offers. Tip sheets for caregivers, educator guides, a holiday toolkit in English and Spanish, and a national directory of children's grief centers and camps at nacg.org/find-support.

Guidance we draw from. Be honest. Use plain, concrete words and avoid euphemisms young children may take literally. Keep explanations short, let the child's questions set the pace, and come back to the conversation over time. Reassure children it was no one's fault. Children express grief in many ways, including art, play, music and writing, and some won't talk about it at all. Listen without rushing to fix, model healthy coping, keep checking in, and seek professional help if changes in sleep, mood, behavior or school last or worsen, or if a child talks about harming themselves.

What it doesn't have. NACG's public guidance centers on grief after a death. We apply its principles to the ongoing losses of dementia. Children's Grief Awareness Day is observed on the third Thursday of November, which falls on November 19 in 2026.