In this episode, we continue the conversation around how children deal with loss. In Episode 3 we had an amazing guest with us, Ope Malomo, who shared her story of losing both parents at the tender age of 6 and 11. Ope was really inspiring and it was lovely hearing how she has grown through her pain. 

This episode focused on how parents and guardians can ensure that their child/children have the best possible information and the highest level of emotional safety as they deal with the wide range of emotions attached to losses of all kinds. 

We listed some of the most common losses, in the sequence most likely to occur in a child’s life. 

• Death of a pet 
• Death of a grandparent 
• Major move - like Ope mentioned last week children are particularly affected by changes in locations, routines, and physical familiarity.
• Divorce of a child’s parents 
• Death of a parent(s) 
• Death of a playmate, friend, or relative
• Injury to the child or to someone important in the child’s life

We established the truth that our children will experience losses so it is paramount that we know how to help our children deal with their feelings about any loss they encounter.

We also talked about how our children respond to loss eg

• Socially withdrawn 
• Playing badly or been disruptive
• Anger
• Tummy aches
• bedwetting/
• Pulling own hair out.
• Loss of concentration

Detola also shared a great tool that is taught to parents who take the 4-week Helping Children with Loss program called the Emotional Energy Checklist  culled from the When Children Grieve book by John W James and Russell Friedman

If you will love to know how else you can support your children or those in your care about dealing with loss then pls reach out to us via email [email protected].

Detola runs a 4-week course to help parents/guardians help their children deal with loss.

Leave us a review or comment on the podcast app you are listening from, remember we will be giving shout-outs to those who leave us comments/reviews. Also, leave us a rating, and please share this podcast with anyone you know who may be experiencing loss. 

We hope you have found this episode valuable,  till next time we pray that you find the grace to find new meaning to life after loss. 

Catch you on the next episode. Bye, and God bless!

P.S We apologise for the quality of the audio in a few parts of this podcast and we hope you are still able to glean some crucial information on this post to help your children or children in your care.

*Disclaimer*

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast should be carefully considered.