Buffy Peters and Sasha Mudlaff from Hamilton's Academy of Grief and Loss with Advice for Parents on Children's Grief (ENCORE EPISODE)

ENCORE EPISODE - originally published April 3, 2019 Today we’re going to really focus in on the grief piece of the widowed parenting puzzle. It can be really hard for widowed parents to know how to help their children with their grief, because most of us don’t have much experience, nor any education, in this. And so, I’m really glad to share with you today my discussion with  Buffy Peters and Sasha Mudlaff, from Hamilton’s Academy of Grief and Loss in Des Moines, Iowa. Hamilton’s is Iowa’s largest funeral home, and 20 years ago they decided to start providing grief and loss support to their clients and to the broader community as well. And if you’re not in Iowa, not to worry – they have fantastic -- and free -- resources available on their web site. I’ll link to them in the show notes. I learned so much from talking with Buffy and Sasha. Some topics we covered include: Handling questions from kids, including when you don’t know the answer; The importance of telling kids the truth about tough situations; Language to avoid when talking with kids about death; Secondary losses experienced by kids who have lost a parent; Undue burdens that may unintentionally be placed on kids; Misconceptions that adults may have about children’s grief Why it’s important for kids to see the adults around them grieve, and modeling healthy grieving; How children’s grief differs from adult grief; and Why it’s important for adults to validate kids’ feelings of grief. I hope you enjoy my discussion with Sasha Mudlaff and Buffy Peters.

Om Podcasten

Experiencing the profound loss of a spouse while navigating the intricate realm of "only-parenting" is a challenge unlike any other. Remember, though, you’re not journeying alone. Jenny Lisk, who stepped into solo parenting following the devastating loss of her husband to brain cancer, established the Widowed Parent Institute to shine a light, extend a hand, and share vital resources. The Widowed Parent Podcast embodies that commitment, providing a mix of hope, practical wisdom, and shared experiences. On The Widowed Parent Podcast, listeners will find: - Expert perspectives from the vanguard of grief and loss research, tailored distinctly for widowed parents. - Heartfelt stories from those who walked through childhood after the death of a parent, granting unique perspective and hope. - Candid conversations with widowed parents, unveiling both the strengths they've discovered and the hurdles they've faced. Whether you're trying to connect with a young child's emotions, navigate the maze of teenage years, or simply seeking a community that truly understands, this podcast speaks directly to widowed parents of children at every stage, from infancy through college. Plug in during a peaceful walk, your daily commute, or in quiet reflection, and discover inspiration, empowerment, and a community that hears and understands. Proudly presented by the Widowed Parent Institute, a beacon of practical guidance, invaluable resources, and steadfast support for mothers and fathers raising grieving children and teens.