Could our silence on the subject of death be shaping our children's fear of the inevitable?
This time, we peel back the layers of this taboo topic and reveal why it's essential to introduce our youngest minds to the concept of mortality. As a hospice nurse, I've witnessed firsthand the impact of death on families and the profound intuitive understanding children can have when it's explained with care. In sharing stories from the bedside, we uncover the lasting effects of shielding children from death and argue for their inclusion in the dying process. We’re not just discussing the end of life; we're advocating for an early and healthy relationship with its reality.
This episode isn't about the gloom of passing; it’s a call to live with authenticity and urgency. I share reflections from those in their twilight hours who wish they’d followed their hearts sooner. It's a poignant reminder that our time is finite and that we should seize the moment to pursue our passions. I inspire you by sharing my own leap into learning Spanish and challenge you to align your life with what truly stirs your soul. Let's break free from the cycle of stress and step into a life driven by inspiration and wonder.
To close, we touch on the importance of honest, open conversations about the cycle of life with our children. Providing resources and strategies, we explore how to talk about death in an age-appropriate way that fosters curiosity rather than fear. As we wrap up, I extend heartfelt thanks for your engagement in this crucial dialogue. It is my hope that you'll be moved to integrate these insights into your life, as I continue to weave them into my own journey. Join me, and together let's reshape the narrative around death—one conversation at a time.
We dive into:
(00:22 - 02:22) Talking to Children About Death
(15:27 - 16:53) Children's Energy Awareness and Hospice Nursing
(22:53 - 24:53) Following Your Heart
(30:08 - 31:31) Teaching Children About Death and Purpose
RESOURCES TO TALK WITH CHILDREN ABOUT DEATH:
Navigating conversations about death with children can be incredibly challenging, yet it's crucial for their understanding and coping. Based on the available resources and their focus on providing compassionate, clear, and supportive guidance, here are the top three resources that are highly regarded for helping to talk to children about death:
1. *The Dougy Center* - The Dougy Center offers comprehensive support for children, teens, young adults, and families grieving a death. They provide thoughtful resources, including tip sheets and activity books, specifically designed to help children understand and process grief. Their approach is widely recognized for being both empathetic and effective, making them a leading resource in grief support. - Source: [The Dougy Center](https://deathwithdignity.org/news/202...)
2. *Tomorrow's Rainbow* - Tomorrow's Rainbow specializes in providing free grief support to children and teens who have experienced the death of a loved one. Their approach emphasizes honesty and clear communication, offering resources and tip sheets on how to discuss death and suicide with children. Their best practice advice for telling the truth after a death aims to support healthy coping mechanisms. - Source: [Tomorrow's Rainbow](https://www.tomorrowsrainbow.org/reso...)
3. *Sesame Street Resources* - Sesame Street has developed sensitive and age-appropriate resources to facilitate discussions about death with young children. Their materials, including videos, articles, and activities, are designed to help children express their feelings and ask questions in a safe environment. Known for its gentle and caring approach, Sesame Street's resources are particularly suited for younger children. - Source: [Today's Parent](https://www.todaysparent.com/family/f...)
Each of these resources provides unique tools and strategies aimed at facilitating conversations about death in a manner that is compassionate and appropriate for children. Whether through direct support, practical advice, or engaging educational materials, they offer valuable assistance to caregivers seeking to guide children through the complexities of grief and loss. For anyone looking to explore these topics more deeply or seeking support in guiding a child through such conversations, these resources present a great starting point.
Remember, the goal is to provide a safe space for children to express their feelings, ask questions, and receive the support they need and brining death back as the natural, sacred experience it was meant to be.
We want to hear from you!!! If you found this podcast helpful, Please Rate, Review, & Follow so we can reach more people.
Links mentioned in this episode:
80-90% of a positive end of life depends on these two things:
Knowing the basic skills on how to care for someone at the end of life and planning ahead - and BOTH Doulagivers Institute is giving you for FREE!
Access them Below!
More about what we do at Doulagivers Institute - Click here!
THIS is what happens when end of life wishes are NOT clearly defined.
Suzanne B. O’Brien Talks with Cathy Yuhas about ”The Hospice Gap”
What Makes a Good Death? A Good Life! But What Does That Mean?
What is the True Meaning of Life
How to Navigate and Understand the Many Layers of Grief with NYT Bestselling Author Kris Carr
We Need to Create ”Outlets” for Grief
The ”Good Death Book” Officially Announced!
Ask a Death Doula How to Access ”The Healed State”
The Truth About Becoming a Certified Death Doula
Talking about Death with Death Deck co-Founder Lisa Pahl
Nurse Hadley Podcast Interview ”The In Between”
How to Fill the ”Hospice Gap”
The Marriage of Death and Spirituality
How to Care for Dying Veterans
How The Death Positive Movement is Giving us Life
Zimbabwe: The start of the Death Doula Movement
Caregiver Syndrome and How to Avoid it
Sound Healing for Health
The VSED Journey- Can it bring people deep, deep peace
Can I Introduce you to Death Doula Network of BC?
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Navigating Life After 40
Teaching Learning Leading K-12
Regenerative Skills
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
The Mel Robbins Podcast