Losing a parent is one of the most profound and challenging experiences a person can go through. Grieving is a personal journey, unique to each individual, and journaling can be an incredibly helpful way to process complex feelings and find moments of comfort and peace. Here, I’ve compiled 100 journaling prompts that can gently guide you through this journey, offering ways to honor your memories, explore your emotions, and, ultimately, heal at your own pace.

We also have some cute cards with the questions below which you can download, stick to your journal as you answer them. Find more conversation cards, game cards on our store here. Find these kind conversation on other blog posts.

Reflection Questions for Navigating Loss of a Parent.

1. Remembering Special Moments

1. What’s one of your happiest memories with your parent?
2. Describe a family tradition you shared with them.
3. What’s something they taught you that you’ll never forget?
4. Write about a time they made you laugh really hard.
5. What’s one place you visited together that felt special?
6. Describe the way they showed love to you.
7. What was your favorite thing to do together?
8. Write about a time they supported you when you needed it most.
9. What’s a skill or talent you learned from them?
10. Describe a “typical day” you spent together.

2. Exploring Your Feelings

11. How would you describe your grief in one word today?
12. What emotions come up most often for you right now?
13. Write about a moment you felt their absence deeply.
14. What’s something you wish you could say to them?
15. How do you feel around friends or family since their passing?
16. Are there times when you feel more at peace? When are those?
17. How does your grief feel in your body (e.g., heaviness, numbness)?
18. How do you manage feelings of loneliness?
19. What are the most comforting memories for you?
20. How do you feel about talking about your grief with others?

3. Celebrating Their Life and Legacy

21. What were their greatest qualities?
22. Describe a piece of advice they gave that still resonates.
23. What are some ways you hope to carry on their legacy?
24. How do you see their influence in your daily life?
25. Write about their favorite hobbies or interests.
26. What values did they instill in you?
27. Describe their laugh, smile, or voice.
28. What would they want you to remember about them?
29. Write about something they believed in passionately.
30. How do you see them in yourself?

4. Working Through Regret and Unanswered Questions

31. Is there anything you wish you had said to them?
32. Do you have regrets about your relationship? What are they?
33. How do you cope with feelings of guilt?
34. If you could ask them one question, what would it be?
35. What’s something you wish you had understood about them sooner?
36. Are there ways you can let go of any unresolved feelings?
37. Describe any unfinished plans or goals you had together.
38. How can you forgive yourself for things left unsaid or undone?
39. Write about any “what ifs” that often come to mind.
40. How might you find peace with unanswered questions?

5. Finding Comfort and Support

41. What people in your life offer the most support?
42. Write about a way someone has comforted you during this time.
43. How do you feel about reaching out for support?
44. Who makes you feel understood in your grief?
45. Describe one thing that has brought you comfort recently.
46. Are there words or phrases from others that feel supportive?
47. Write about a person who reminds you of your parent.
48. How do you express your needs to others?
49. What does “healing” look like to you?
50. How has this experience affected your relationships?

6. Exploring Your Spirituality or Beliefs

51. What are your thoughts on the afterlife?
52. Do you feel your parent’s presence in any way?
53. What rituals help you feel connected to them?
54. How has this loss affected your beliefs?
55. Write about a sign or symbol that reminds you of them.
56. How do you find peace or solace in your beliefs?
57. Do you feel a spiritual connection to your parent?
58. Describe any dreams you’ve had of them.
59. What role does faith play in your grief journey?
60. Write about a place that feels spiritually healing to you.

7. Healing Through Self-Care

61. What’s one self-care practice that feels nurturing?
62. Write about a comforting activity you enjoy.
63. How are you taking care of yourself physically?
64. What do you do on hard days to cope?
65. How does journaling help with your healing?
66. What are some gentle ways to let yourself feel joy again?
67. Describe one small victory in your healing process.
68. What does self-compassion mean to you?
69. Are there ways to make your grief journey less overwhelming?
70. Write about something that brings a sense of calm.

8. Moving Through Milestones and Anniversaries

71. Describe how you feel about celebrating their birthday.
72. Write about ways you’d like to honor them on special days.
73. How do you plan to approach the anniversary of their passing?
74. Are there ways to make holidays feel less painful?
75. What family traditions feel important to keep?
76. Describe how you felt on the first holiday without them.
77. What’s a small ritual you could do to remember them daily?
78. How do you feel about visiting their favorite places?
79. What’s a way you could celebrate their life each year?
80. Write about any new traditions you’d like to start in their honor.

9. Embracing Hope and Moving Forward

81. What are some positive things you want to focus on now?
82. How has your grief journey changed over time?
83. Write about a recent moment of happiness.
84. How do you balance grief with everyday life?
85. What does “moving forward” mean to you?
86. How do you want to feel about your parent in the future?
87. Write about a hope you have for yourself.
88. How has this experience helped you grow?
89. What are your hopes for your life going forward?
90. How would you like to honor your parent through your actions?

10. Gratitude and Positive Memories

91. What are you grateful for in your relationship with them?
92. Describe one way they impacted your life for the better.
93. Write about a time they made you feel safe.
94. What’s something they did that always made you smile?
95. Describe a meal they used to cook that you loved.
96. What are three ways they showed you love?
97. Write about a place that reminds you of them.
98. How did they make you feel loved and valued?
99. What’s one thing you’ll always be thankful to them for?
100. What’s the most valuable lesson you learned from them?

Finding Healing Through Journaling

Journaling is a powerful tool that allows you to express the complexities of grief openly and honestly. There’s no right or wrong way to journal through your grief—write as much or as little as you need, cry when you need to, and laugh at the happy memories too. Remember that your grief journey is yours alone, and it’s okay to take each day as it comes.

Above all, be patient and gentle with yourself. It’s through these small, intentional steps that healing finds its way in, honoring both your parent’s memory and your own journey toward peace.