EP 1119B - Giving Hope: Conversations with Children about Illness, Death and Loss

Getting together as a family when a cherished loved one was lost during the year and won’t be there, can feel daunting. Not only does the thought bring sadness, but it can also bring back memories of others who have died.

Drs. Elena Lister and Michael Schwartzman, authors of the new book "Giving Hope: Conversations with Children About Illness, Death, and Loss," advocate this is a natural part of the grieving process and should be faced in a straightforward way. People don’t like to talk about sad things and often parents feel that bringing up something painful will initiate pain in their child. However, most children are aware of the loss of a special person and are feeling the pain too.

Dr. Elana Lister joins us today to share how talking through it helps people find strength and resilience through seeing others feel the same, and helps a child not be left alone with difficult emotions to manage.