Preparing Kids for Grief: Why Avoidance Does More Harm Than Good with Dr Kimberly Rich

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Kimberly Rich — a grief educator, death doula, end-of-life companion, and founder of Tomorrow Mourning. After the sudden loss of her mother in 2021, Kim dedicated her work to changing how we approach death, dying, and grief, with a strong focus on supporting children and families through loss.We talk about why grief is a guaranteed part of life — and yet something we rarely prepare children (or adults) for. Kim shares why children often have a greater capacity to talk about grief than we give them credit for, and how avoiding the topic can actually create more fear and confusion.This conversation explores the many forms grief can take — not just death, but also pet loss, divorce, moves, identity changes, and even parenting transitions. We dive into practical ways parents can support grieving children, especially when a pet dies, including how to model grief, invite (but not force) participation in rituals, and create space for kids to remember and share.We also discuss the power of community in grief — why showing up matters long after the first few weeks, how to identify “safe people” for both parents and children, and why grief doesn’t need fixing — it needs witnessing.This is an honest, gentle, and deeply human conversation that I truly believe every parent needs — not just when grief arrives, but long before it does.You can connect with Dr. Kimberly Rich on Instagram at @tomorrowmourningllc or visit her work at Tomorrow Mourning.If this episode resonated, I encourage you to listen with your child, or use it as a starting point for a conversation you may have been avoiding.🇦🇺 Australia – Support LinesKids Helpline📞 1800 55 1800💬 Webchat & email available👧🧒 Ages 5–25🕒 24/7Support for young people experiencing grief, loss, or emotional distress.🔗 kidshelpline.com.auLifeline Australia📞 13 11 14💬 Online chat available🕒 24/7Support for adults, including parents navigating grief or supporting a grieving child.🔗 lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue📞 1300 22 4636💬 Webchat available🕒 24/7Support for anxiety, depression, and grief for adults and parents.🔗 beyondblue.org.auHeadspace👧🧒 Ages 12–25💬 Online & in-centre supportMental health support for young people, including grief and loss.🔗 headspace.org.au🇺🇸 United States – Support Lines988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline📞 Call or text 988💬 Chat available🕒 24/7Support for anyone in emotional distress, including grief and loss.🔗 988lifeline.orgCrisis Text Line📱 Text HOME to 741741🕒 24/7Text-based support for teens and adults experiencing grief, overwhelm, or crisis.🔗 crisistextline.orgThe Dougy Center👧🧒 Support for children, teens, and families grieving a deathResources, groups, and education (not a crisis line, but excellent grief support).🔗 dougy.orgNational Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG)Resources for parents supporting grieving children.🔗 childrensgrief.org