Talking with Children about Life & Death

Talking with Children about Life & Death

In keeping with our “Big Talks” theme, this episode focuses on how parents can face and manage conversations about death with their children. Beginning with memories from their childhoods and concluding with money tips and resources, Dr. Sara and Dr. John ramble from practical tips to philosophical truths. Best of all, sandwiched in the middle is an interview with Dr. Tina Barrett, executive director of the Tamarack Grief Resource Center in Missoula, MT. Dr. Tina opens with a quote from Mr. Rogers, encouraging parents to provide their children with honest and simple responses to questions about death. She describes how parents can face distress together with their children in ways that builds strengths. Dr. Tina also provides ideas for how parents can talk about grief in ways that combine spirituality with biological realities. If you’re not sure how to talk with children about death, a dose of Dr. Tina’s wisdom may be just what you need.

This podcast is brought to you by the Charles Engelhard Foundation, and the National Parenting Education Network.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

The Fall of Freddy the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages

By: Leo Buscaglia

Death is Stupid

by Anastasia Higginbotham