Salisbury Family Part 2: Katarina Salisbury Reflects on Losing Her Dad at Age 6

I had such a great discussion with Katarina Salisbury for this episode. This is the second episode in a two-part series with the Salisbury family—Katarina is with us this week, and last week we spoke with her mom, Leila. I hope you had a chance to catch that discussion—listeners are telling me it was a powerful one. Katarina is just 15 years old, and she lost her dad when she was 5. She’s very articulate and she’s passionate about helping grieving kids and teens. It was so great to hear her reflections and perspectives and to be able to share those with you today. It’s such a privilege to be able to hear directly from a teen, and I hope it will help those of us who are widowed parents try to better understand our kids’ experiences. Some topics Katarina and I discuss include: Learning that her dad died by suicide, rather than a car accident, when she was 8 or 9—a few years after his death; How much she appreciated the kids grief program she went to when she was younger; Feeling like her dad’s suicide must have been her fault; Being labeled ‘the kid with the dead dad’ at school; Feeling embarrassed and singled out when teachers would remind the whole class that her dad had died recently; Navigating telling people at her new school, after she moved to another state, about her dad; Losing her grandmother in middle school, and how that was much harder than she expected; Struggling at school because of her grief; Her plans to be involved in leading peer-to-peer teen grief support groups; How she and her mom have acknowledged her dad’s birthdays and death anniversaries; Being upset that one year her dad’s birthday passed without acknowledgment; Wishing that she had told her mom more about what she was going through; and Deciding that she wants to become an adolescent psychiatrist based on her experiences. I hope you enjoy my discussion with Katarina Salisbury. -=-=-=-=- 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 - Buy Me a Coffee -=-=-=-=-

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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.