Episode 96 - Introducing Children to Grief

Thanks to the kind words obout last week's interview with my mo.... I appreciate the positive feedback.

A listener asked about how we can talk to kids about grief. Her first experience was a negative one because no set any type of expectations around the funeral ritual in her family.

I believe this stems from society changing from dealing with caring for the sick and dying to at home to the Civil War and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln ushering in the acceptance of embalming. Advancements in medicine and medical technology in later year would make hospitals and nursing home the leading locations for people to die. This would remove the personal touch and connection we have with the dying.

To prepare for death a death experience I think we need to help children deal with loss or at least sadness early in life to help them develop coping skills to deal with tough situations. When they have questions, we need to make sure we answer there questions in an age appropriate manner. If they don't ask questions we need to check in with them and gauge how we might best be able to help them.

Links used to research this episode:

National Home Funeral Alliance: What you need to no for requirements for conducting your own funeral/memorial, and if/when you need to consult a funeral director

HuffingtonPost: Personal stories of the journey to have a more personal do it yourself funeral.

If you are so inclined to share your story of loss, please email me at darwyn@dealingwithmygrief.com.