Vicki Jay From the National Alliance for Children’s Grief

“It’s my belief that the earlier we can provide support for anybody who’s had a loss, then the healthier adult that person is. It’s much easier to support a grieving child than it is to heal a broken adult, for instance. So I think the whole field came out of the need to support these kids while they’re kids, to help them have healthy journey rather than maybe a not so healthy journey.”

— Vicki Jay

We’re back this week with a brand new show, and today I’m thrilled to welcome Vicki Jay as my guest. Vicki is the CEO of the National Alliance for Grieving Children. Some topics Vicki and I talked about include:

• Why it’s easier to address childhood grief early in a child’s life than it is to deal with the potential effects of unresolved grief when they become adults;

• The fact that 1 in 14 kids will lose a parent or sibling by the age of 18;

• Children’s Grief Awareness Month coming up in November, and some ways widowed parents can help raise awareness during this time;

• How to submit a story of “Everyday Heroes” who support the grieving children in your life;

• Why we should all wear blue on November 21 (and post pics on social media!);

• The NAGC’s activity book for elementary age kids and their caregivers;

• “Dear Me” letters from adults who lost a parent to their younger selves; and

• Resources available on the NAGC web site, including a state-by-state listing of children’s grief programs.

I hope you enjoy my discussion with Vicki Jay.

Links & resources for this episode

• National Alliance for Grieving Children web site, webinars, list of resources (including programs in the US and Canada, videos, tip sheets)

• Children’s Grief Awareness Month:
  - Toolkit & info
  - submit an “everyday hero” story
  - “Dear Me” letters

• When Someone Dies - activity book for elementary age kids in English or Spanish

• Eluna Network

• TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)

More links for listeners

• Download: Kids & Grief: What You Need to Know

• Article: I’m a Widowed Mom: Here Are My 3 Tips for COVID-19 Widows

• Book: Widowed Parents Unite: 52 Tips to Get Through the First Year, from One Widowed Parent to Another

Thank you sponsors & partners:

Help Texts - Grief support text messaging service. Tips and support delivered all year long, personalized based on your loss. Listeners get $10 off: https://helptexts.com/jennylisk

BetterHelp - Talk with a licensed, professional therapist online. Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/widowedparent

Support the show - Chip in at BuyMeACoffee.com

What is your biggest challenge as a widowed parent right now?

Call our voice mailbox at (669)257-3434 and leave a message. Or, answer this quick one-question survey. We’ll work with experts to answer listener questions in future episodes & articles.

---