Navigating Grief Within The Family: What Disney Films Can Teach Us

Grief and loss touch every family at various points. Yet, despite being a universal experience, it never feels predictable or simple. If you are a parent navigating loss or walking alongside a child who is grieving, you may find yourself feeling unprepared and unsure of how to help.

At our therapy center, we see every day how grief ripples through families. Below are some important truths about grief that may help you be gentler with yourself and ease the journey for your family when navigating loss. Popular culture stories cherished by children and families often carry themes of love and loss, and we will draw on some Disney films here, as we sometimes do in family therapy, to help illustrate some of how these ideas play out and what they can teach us about grief.

Grief Is Unpredictable and Brings Many Feelings

Grief often behaves more like ocean tides than a straight line. Some days, it feels calm and distant. Other days, it crashes in suddenly, knocking us off balance. Grief can also bring many emotions beyond sadness, including anger, guilt, relief, numbness, and even brief moments of joy.

Children experience this unpredictability too, although they may not show it in the same way as adults. For example, a child may play joyfully in the morning and then become quiet, irritable, or tearful in the afternoon. Children may also regress temporarily, perhaps struggling with sleep or bedwetting.

These shifts can be confusing, but they are all part of the grieving process. You can see this reflected in Inside Out, where Riley’s emotions swing from joy to sadness to anger as she struggles with the loss of her home, friends, and sense of security after a family move.

Everyone in the Family Grieves Differently

No two people grieve alike, even under the same roof. One child may cry openly, while another may withdraw. Parents may show their grief in very different ways too. These differences can create tension if they are not understood or spoken about.

For example, family members may feel frustrated if they see a sibling or parent reacting in a way that looks “too much” or “too little” compared to their own feelings. The truth is that there is no single right way to grieve. What matters is creating space for each family member’s experience to be heard and respected.

A clear example of this can be seen in Frozen 2. Anna and Elsa both carry the pain of losing their parents, but they respond in opposite ways. Elsa withdraws, choosing solitude and responsibility, while Anna longs for closeness and reassurance. Neither is wrong, but their different coping styles cause misunderstanding and distance between them. Families often face the same challenge. Without support, those differences can create conflict. Yet with support, they can become opportunities for empathy and connection.

Children Benefit from Routines when Grieving

Grief can make the world feel unpredictable and frightening for children. One of the most supportive things parents can do is to maintain familiar routines. Regular mealtimes, school schedules, bedtime rituals, and even small family traditions provide a sense of stability when everything else feels uncertain.

These everyday structures do not erase grief, but they remind children that parts of their world are still steady and reliable. A child who knows they will still have their bedtime story or Saturday pancakes may feel more grounded even as they navigate big emotions.

It is also important to be gentle with yourself. Maintaining routines does not mean keeping everything perfect, and it is natural if some days, not everything unfolds as planned. It simply means recognizing that holding on to some rhythms where possible offers children some comfort, security, and a reminder that life can continue alongside loss.

It Is Healthy for Adults to Share Their Grief

Parents often wonder how much of their own grief to show around children. Yet allowing children to see adults cry or speak about sadness can help them understand that their own emotions are natural and find healing as a family.

For example, in Encanto, Abuela hides her grief for many years, and the silence creates tension and pressure within the family. Healing begins only when she shares her story with Mirabel. By speaking her grief aloud, she allows the family to carry the loss together instead of apart. Families can find strength when adults are able to name and share their grief openly.

You Do Not Need to Navigate This Alone

Sometimes children’s questions about death or loss can feel overwhelming. Parents may worry about saying the wrong thing, or simply not know how to answer at all. Parents and extended family members can also hold differing views about how much involvement a child should have in cultural customs around loss, such as funerals, wakes, or memorial services. In these moments, having the support of a professional with a deep understanding of child development can be invaluable. Child and family therapists can help parents make decisions together and navigate differences in ways that support connection within the family system. They can help navigate questions and find words that are honest yet gentle, offering clear, age-appropriate explanations that give children a sense of security without adding fear or confusion.

There are also times when there are signs that children need more support than parents can provide on their own. While many children gradually adjust with family care, some may show ongoing signs of struggle, such as persistent aggression, withdrawal from friends, or a drop in school performance. These shifts may be a sign that the grief feels too heavy to manage without some extra support. Recognising this and seeking help does not mean something is wrong with your child. It simply means giving them a safe space in child or family therapy to help process what has happened.

Take The Lion King,, where Simba carries grief in silence, avoiding his past and believing he has to handle everything on his own. Healing begins only when he reconnects with loved ones and accepts support from his community. Children and families, too, do not have to carry grief in isolation. With the right support, parents can find the words, children can feel understood, and everyone can begin to heal together. If your family or child would benefit from support after a loss, reach out to us today.

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A self-described geek, Maria Laquerre-Diego is a CEO and Owner who is committed to increasing access to mental health services and breaking down the stigma surrounding therapy services. As a therapist turned CEO, Maria has developed a unique perspective when it comes to mental health and the barriers surrounding mental health treatment. Influenced by her time at New Mexico State University in the Family and Consumer Science department and the University of New Hampshire’s Marriage and Family Therapy department, Maria has turned her dedication to giving back and supporting future generations of therapists. In addition to supporting mental health providers, Maria takes an active role in addressing the continued stigma of mental health services through the use of pop culture – everything from movies and television shows to superheroes and Disney characters. Maria has spoken about mental health at several local events, has served as an officer on professional boards, and has provided training to clinicians all over the country while maintaining her and her family’s roots as Aggies! Outside of the office, Maria can be found spending time with her family and loved ones, exploring the world through travel, and creating cosplays for herself, her husband, and their two little ones. Maria is always happy to talk about Star Wars, Marvel, and mental health and can be contacted through her practice website www.anewhopetc.org