Holding Little Hearts Through Big Goodbyes
When a child is facing grief, or sensing that change is coming, caregivers are often left asking:
“How do I explain this? What should I say?”
At Red Bird Grief Care, we offer personalized coaching to help you talk with your children about death, illness, and loss in honest, age-appropriate ways. Whether you’re preparing for a goodbye, walking through a fresh loss, or navigating anniversaries and memory-making, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
What Sets Us Apart
- Trauma-Informed Care that prioritizes emotional safety
- Child & Family-Centered Coaching tailored to your specific situation
- Heart-Led Guidance from a Certified Child Life Specialist & End-of-Life Doula
You don’t have to do this alone — and you don’t have to figure it out from scratch.
Holding Little Hearts Through Big Goodbyes
When a child is facing grief, or sensing that change is coming, caregivers are often left asking:
“How do I explain this? What should I say?”
At Red Bird Grief Care, we offer personalized coaching to help you talk with your children about death, illness, and loss in honest, age-appropriate ways. Whether you’re preparing for a goodbye, walking through a fresh loss, or navigating anniversaries and memory-making, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
What Sets Us Apart
- Trauma-Informed Care that prioritizes emotional safety
- Child & Family-Centered Coaching tailored to your specific situation
- Heart-Led Guidance from a Certified Child Life Specialist & End-of-Life Doula
You don’t have to do this alone — and you don’t have to figure it out from scratch.
Meet Rebecca Sletten
Certified Child Life Specialist, End-of-Life Doula, and Founder of Red Bird Grief Care
A few years ago, I sat with a parent who whispered through tears,
“How do I even begin to tell my kids that Grandpa is dying?”
That moment – and many like it – planted the seeds for Red Bird. I’ve spent over a decade supporting families through the challenges of illness, end-of-life, and grief. But it was my own journey as a caregiver and griever that truly shaped the way I work.
At Red Bird, I offer one-on-one virtual grief coaching for caregivers of children. Together, we create custom grief care plans that include age-appropriate language, rituals, memory-making activities, and tools to help your child feel seen, safe, and supported.
Why “Red Bird”?
For many, a red bird is a symbol of love’s lasting presence – a quiet reminder that even in loss, we’re not alone. That’s the heart of my work: bringing care and clarity to moments that feel overwhelming, and helping children feel included in ways that honor your family’s values and story.
I work virtually with families across Canada, the United States, and globally, offering support that’s as grounded as it is gentle.
Our Services
First Light Session
A focused starting point to support your child through grief
- 45-minute virtual coaching session
- Personalized tips for your most urgent questions
- Age-appropriate language + tools to use right away
- Quick follow-up email with next-step suggestions
Best for: families looking for immediate clarity
Full Circle Support Package
Our most comprehensive support, personalized for your family
- In-depth intake process
- 60-minute coaching call
- Custom grief care plan with curated resources
- Legacy activity for connection + meaning
- 30-minute check-in session to refine and follow through
Best for: caregivers seeking structure, confidence, and lasting tools
My Approach
Compassionate, Child-Centered, and Family-Focused Care01.Grounded in Presence, Not Perfection
There’s no “right way” to do this — only a supported way. I walk with you as you navigate the unknown with courage and care.
02.Grief Evolves — So Does Support
Loss isn’t a one-time event. We create a foundation for today and tools for the moments yet to come — anniversaries, holidays, questions that rise later.
03.Language That Honors Your Values
Whether you’re spiritual, secular, or somewhere in between — we’ll find words that feel true to your beliefs and your child’s needs.
04.Child-Led, Not Scripted
We start by understanding what your child senses, feels, or wonders — and build support from there. No cookie-cutter responses. Just honest, developmentally appropriate guidance.
Testimonials
When my grandmother died, my children and I were all struggling with grief. It was hard to help my children with their grief while I was struggling to understand my own. Rebecca offered advice and several book recommendations. The books were great for my kids ages and they started the conversation for us. Rebecca’s help gave me direction when I was struggling to find one. I’ll always appreciate the assistance she gave and would highly recommend her to others in similar situations.
Leah B
My Personal Store
Still Have Questions?
Whether you’re ready to book or just need to talk it through — I’m here.
