Ep 34 – “Let’s Talk About the Hard Stuff” Navigating Grief and Loss with a Child Life Specialist

There’s no avoiding tough topics with little ones, but it can feel nearly impossible to explain serious illness or death to children, especially if the caregiver is grieving as well. As Certified Child Life Specialist and Fellow in Thanatology Ashleigh Schopen explains, using age-appropriate, concrete language to build understanding in kids lays the foundation for healthy processing and grieving as time goes on. Today on the podcast, Emily and Ashleigh discuss her work as a Child Life Specialist and the importance of her profession, as well as the critical role she serves in helping families mitigate trauma as they endure incredibly difficult experiences. She’s sharing more about her formal education, training, and clinical experiences that have positively impacted countless children and families facing a range of challenges. Even if you haven’t had to navigate these conversations with your kids, Ashleigh’s insight is invaluable for any parenting toolbox.