77. Speaking to Our Children Openly about Death

This is no easy topic. Listeners have contacted us requesting tips on ways to support their children in dealing with these difficult conversations. Have you dealt with the loss of a loved one, maybe from a terminal illness, even one impacting a child directly or indirectly? This week’s episode focuses on ways to speak to our children about Grief and Loss, including terminal illness and traumatic injuries, and all the things in between. As a parent or caregiver, you may find yourself wishing to avoid these conversations, hoping to shield your child(ren) from sadness. However, speaking to our children about difficult topics can provide comfort and aid in the healing process. While these conversations can be painful, especially if death or dying directly impacts the child or family, open dialogue can help children manage and navigate their feelings and understanding. Guest expert Tara Tooley leads a thought-provoking conversation focusing on ways to speak to our children about this topic, as well as ways to normalize death and illness. Tara points out that one important strategy involves age-appropriate conversations using active listening and creating a safe place for children to talk openly about their feelings. Listeners will be provided strategies, resources, and ideas to support their children. Tune in for a conversation to foster healing and connection.

Tara Tooley, LCSW brings over two decades of expertise to the mental health sector, holding licensure as a clinical social worker and training from INELDA as an end-of-life doula. A survivor of cancer twice, Tara faced aggressive triple-negative breast cancer at 25 and again at 30, battling the disease alongside her infant daughter during the latter. Her journey has deeply rooted her in the cancer community for more than 24 years.

Operating Blackbird Therapy in Overland Park, KS, Tara holds clinical social work licensure in both Kansas and Missouri. In addition to her practice, she serves as a Cancer Coach through her venture, Cancer Recovery. Tara's professional background is diverse, including roles in oncology and hospice social work, outreach case management for children and families, and positions within emergency youth shelters.

Blackbird Therapy - Blackbird Therapy (blackbirdtherapykc.com)www.cancerrecovery.com

Book Recommendations from a Mental Health Therapist & End Of Life Doula - For Children (Grief)

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst

When Dinosaurs Die by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown

The Heart and The Bottle by Oliver Jeffers

The Memory Box by Joanna Rowland

Book Recommendations For Children Who Have a Family Member With a Cancer Diagnosis

Nowhere Hair: Explain cancer and hair loss to kids by Sue Glader and Edith Buenen

Cancer Hates Kisses by Jessica Reid Sliwerski 

Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings,” by Ellen McVicker

For Teens: My Parent Has Cancer and it Really Sucks by Maya Silver and Marc Silver

For Terminal Cancer a book for younger kids:

The Cancer That Wouldn’t Go Away: A Story for kids about metastatic cancer by Hadessa Field

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