The Little Hearts: Childhood Grief

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Grief, I Didn’t Sign Up for This, host Shaleka Smith explores how children experience grief and how adults can guide them through it with compassion and honesty. Grief doesn’t just affect adults—children process loss in their own unique ways, and without guidance, they may carry confusion or fear into the future.Shaleka breaks down what grief looks like at different developmental stages, why it’s important to talk openly with children about death, and best practices for helping them navigate loss. From using age-appropriate language and encouraging questions to creating memory rituals and maintaining routines, this episode offers practical tools for parents, caregivers, and educators.This episode also features a highlighted chapter about Tina Dillard, who lost a cousin at a young age. Tina’s story reflects how early experiences with loss can shape a child’s understanding of death and grief.Listeners will also learn what to avoid when supporting grieving children, when to seek additional help, and resources such as books and organizations that specialize in childhood bereavement.This heartfelt and practical conversation is a guide for anyone who wants to help little hearts heal while building resilience, honesty, and hope in the face of loss.Support the show