When someone dies, children can sometimes worry that they might not remember things about their special person.

Making a memory box is a lovely way for your child to remember by keeping things that remind them of someone special to them. It also helps them to talk about the person, express their feelings and create something that’s personal to them and their memories of the person. Your child can add to and look at their memory box if they’re feeling sad or just want to think about their special person.

You will need:

• A cardboard or wooden box
• Crayons
• Felt tips
• Stickers
• Plastic-free glitter (optional)

Instructions

1) Take a wooden box or cardboard box with a lid, such as a large shoebox. Your child may like to decorate the box, perhaps with coloured crayons, plastic-free glitter, stickers, photos or pictures.

2) Ask your child to place items in the box that remind them of their special person; it could be something they wore like an earring or watch, a photo of them, or something that reminds your child of something their special person did or liked, such as their favourite music, food or sports team. If they have memories of things they did with the person, they can include something that reminds them of that, such as a place they went together. Some children like to add a letter they’ve written to their special person, a poem they’ve written or a picture they’ve made.

3) As your child places items in the box, ask them why they have chosen each thing and encourage them to talk about their feelings. 

Other ideas

Older children and teenagers might like to make a digital memory box by saving voice recordings, films, pictures or a playlist on their phone, Ipad or other digital device.

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Watch our short animated film which suggests ways children and young people can remember someone important to them who has died.