In today’s episode, I was joined by two incredible women, Rachel Carnahan-Metzger and Sierra Herbort. Rachel and Sierra are really special humans, who have both dedicated their careers to supporting children and families going through the most difficult times in their lives. Working at Dell Children’s Medical Center, Rachel serves as a pediatric palliative care social worker and Sierra as a Certified Child Life Specialist. They have made a career out of bearing witness, educating, and supporting families to be able to navigate the unimaginable, the death of a child. They do this every day with such compassion, such heart, and such wisdom. They bring that and more to today’s conversation. I can’t wait for you to meet them

Jump straight into:

(09:56) - Educating families through hard times: How to have conversations about death with children

(17:58) - Death play: Expressive ways in which kids understand death

(25:11) - How do you do it right?: Why the perfect conversation doesn't exist

(34:13) - Talking about a bad diagnosis and why it is okay not to disclose all the information

(42:42) - Dealing with questions: Best ways to guide and help children after a loss

(53:32) - On the roots of guilt and shame

Episode Resources:

Mustard by Charlotte Graeber

Healing Your Grieving Heart by Alan D Wolfelt, PhD for Children and teens

Fred & Red Say Goodbye  by Alan Schlichtman

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode is sponsored by Jae Kim, Founder and CEO of Chi’lantro BBQ (who was a guest on this show last season, Life Lessons From A Little Sister. Instead of telling you about their amazing food, he invited me to share one of my favorite non-profits with you. Visit the Phoenix Stone Foundation to learn how Ben and Heather are honoring the memory of their son Phoenix by supporting families facing childhood cancer treatment and the medical team who care for them.

About the show

If you love deep, honest, authentic conversations, get ready to love Grief is a Sneaky Bitch. Host Lisa Keefauver, is a grief and empathy activist who holds an extensive grief resume herself, as a social worker, narrative therapist, grief guide, and widow. To learn more about the show and how Lisa Keefauver is reimagining grief, sign up for her not-so-regular newsletter, follow on Instagram and Twitter or visit www.lisakeefauver.com today!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.