Melissa Pierce on Parenting the Kids You Have and the Importance of Self Care

I had such a great discussion with Melissa Pierce for this episode. Melissa is a widowed parent, an author, and a self-care advocate. She has two sons, and her older son really struggled as a teen so be sure to listen for that part of our discussion if you’re facing a similar situation. Some topics Melissa and I discuss include: Melissa and her husband, Dave, adopting their two sons from the Oregon foster care system; Moving their family from Portland to a small town in Eastern Oregon; The traumatic shock of finding her husband dead after he’d gone to bed the night before feeling just a little unwell; Making major changes in her life right away, despite all the grief literature suggesting one should not do this; How the small town they lived in rallied to support Melissa and her boys after Dave died; Finding The Dougy Center after she moved back to Portland; How her grief therapy ended up dipping in and out of personal development therapy; How her older son began to struggle that he so much that needed more help than could be provided locally; Making the decision to send her teenage son to a wilderness therapy program and then to Boys Town; Deciding to remarry; How self-care changed her life; and Melissa’s book recommendations for widows. I hope you enjoy my discussion with Melissa Pierce. Listeners: get a 10% discount on Melissa's self-care subscription boxes at filledwithgold.org - use discount code WIDOWEDPARENT. -=-=-=-=- Thank you sponsors & partners: Audible - Get a FREE audiobook and 30-day free trial: www.audibletrial.com/widowedparent BetterHelp - Talk with a licensed, professional therapist online. Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/widowedparent Blue Apron - Special offers for listeners of the podcast: jennylisk.com/blueapron Grief Coach - Grief support text messaging service. Tips and support delivered all year long, personalized based on your loss. Listeners get $10 off: https://grief.coach/jennylisk/ Support the show: Patreon, Merch, and More -=-=-=-=-

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.