Kids and Grief: Honest Conversations That Matter
Episode Overview
Children have sophisticated and profound queries surrounding death, loss, and grief Importance of honest and straightforward conversations about grief with children Significance of supporting the adults around grieving children Acknowledgment of shifting attitudes towards discussing grief Emphasis on open and ongoing discussions about death within families
One of the most important things to think about is when children do experience something quite significant in their life, for example, the death of someone close to them, one of the best things we can do to support those kids is to support the adults around them.
Ever wondered how to talk to kids about death? It’s a tough subject for anyone, but children often have questions that can leave adults stumped. In this episode of 'All In The Mind', host Sana Khadar dives into the sensitive topic of children's grief. She begins by sharing her own childhood encounter with death, highlighting the confusion and fear that many kids feel.
Joining her is Lauren Breen, a Professor of Psychology at Curtin University, who has conducted extensive research on the questions children ask when they're grieving. Breen’s findings, published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies, show that kids have deep and meaningful questions about death, loss, and grief. This episode sheds light on these often-overlooked aspects of childhood grief and underscores the importance of addressing these emotions with honesty and care.
Through heartfelt discussions, Khadar and Breen explore how families can foster open conversations about grief, helping children navigate their feelings in a supportive environment. The episode also touches on how societal attitudes towards grief are evolving, recognizing both the progress made and the need for further improvement. If you're looking for ways to support a grieving child or want to understand more about this delicate topic, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.