4. Write 5 things you remember about your loved one on Day of the Dead.

Have your child write 5 things they remember about their loved one. If they do not remember their loved one you can write 5 things you remember and share it with them. If they are not old enough to write you can write it for them. The idea is to get your children to talk to you, to open up about their feelings, and express themselves. If they are older, they can write a letter to their loved one and leave it at the altar or grave.

5. Have your child paint a picture remembering your loved one for Day of the Dead.

Art is very therapeutic and children can express themselves sometimes better with art than with words. Your child can paint a picture and this can help them express their emotions. Let them be as creative as they want to be and do not impose your thoughts on their masterpiece. If they want to paint a blue dog with wings, let them. Your job is simply to ask questions like "Can you tell me about your picture," "How is he/she feeling?" and avoid questions like "Why did you paint him blue (or green or black)?" and instead say "I noticed that you painted him blue, is that because he's sad?" Again, the idea is to open up dialog and for the child not to feel judged about his artwork.

6. Play your loved one's favorite music on Day of the Dead and sing and dance.

We can most definitely remember the music our loved ones listened to. Maybe they played it in their car all the time, maybe it was what they loved dancing to at parties, or maybe it was a concert they wouldn't miss. I know there are certain songs that trigger memories of friends and family members that have passed on. You can play your loved ones favorite music, sing, and even dance. You can share stories with your children of that time you were in the car with your loved one and this song came on or that concert you attended or maybe it was your abuela's radio blasting Vicente. A way to honor the dead is definitely through music you can even do it old school. I'm sure your kids would get a kick!

7. Go to church, meditate, or pray on Day of the Dead.

There are many ways you can teach children to get in touch with their spirituality, but they look at you for direction. Whether you go to church and they go with you, whether you go on a nature walk and you teach your children to sit quietly and listen to nature, or you teach them to pray, these are all ways we can help them tap into that bigger force. Helping them connect with their spirituality is also another way we can help them cope or deal with their feelings and emotions when it comes to loss. They may experience anger and confusion. We can acknowledge their feelings, offer support and guidance, and seek professional help when needed.

8. Light a candle or tea light for your loved one on Day of the Dead.

It is believed that lighting a candle signifies light in darkness. Some people believe that it lights the journey of the dead on Day of the Dead. Others believe light is as a symbol for prayer for the souls of the departed or a symbol of Christ. With children, of course, lights simply look cool, and therefore they should be supervised as they can present their serious hazards. Nevertheless, if it's part of your tradition or religion, it's important to share with your children. Just keep mil ojos (thousand eyes) on them!

9. Share a special meal on Day of the Dead.

As Latinos food is at our hearts. It's how we celebrate the living and the dead. It's how we come together as families to celebrate our biggest triumphs and even sadness. Sharing a special meal to remember our loved ones keeps their memories alive through our tradition. It offers an opportunity to share stories, memories, and celebrate living. Your children can experience firsthand the power of unity, family, and the importance of our heritage. Remember children learn by example, they are looking at you to set it.

10. Watch your loved ones favorite movie or just watch Coco again for the 100th time on Day of the Dead!

My friend Donna, that passed away from breast cancer earlier this year, and I used to watch Oprah everyday when we worked together. She even got us tickets to the Oprah show one day. When I think of Oprah I think of Donna and it warms my heart. You can sit and watch your loved ones favorite movie or tv show (PG rated of course if young children are present). Talk, laugh, cry, and then laugh some more. If your loved one's favorite movie is a horror film like Halloween, opt for a more child friendly movie like Coco. And if you haven't seen it, I'll give you another reason to cry!