Episode 9: The Kids' Perspective

Episode 9: The Kids' Perspective The Kids' Perspective on Losing a Parent

What is it like to lose a parent as a teenager or young adult? What do children wish the adults and friends around them understood about grief?

In one of the most personal episodes of the Grief Girls Podcast, Tamara welcomes her daughters—Sofia, Ava, and Mia—to share their individual experiences following the sudden loss of their father. Through heartfelt and honest conversations, they offer a rare glimpse into grief from the perspective of children who have grown into young adults while learning to live without their dad.

Together, they reflect on the trauma of those first days, the anxiety and fear that followed, the friendships that carried them through, and the comments that unintentionally caused more pain. Four years later, they also share how grief has evolved, what continues to be difficult, and the lessons they hope will help other grieving children, parents, friends, teachers, coaches, and anyone supporting a family after loss.

Whether you are grieving the loss of a parent or hoping to better support someone who is, this episode is filled with honest conversations, practical advice, and reminders that healing doesn't mean forgetting—it means learning to carry love forward.

In This EpisodeChapter 1 (0:00–24:50)

Introducing the Daughters of Grief Girls

Grief Girls ask Sofia, Ava, and Mia, "Tell us about the first few days and months of your grief." The daughters share their memories of the shock, confusion, and emotional weight of losing their dad while reflecting on the overwhelming support they received, the anxiety and fear that followed, and the routines that helped them move forward. They also answer the question, "How do you feel four years later?" offering hope and perspective on how grief changes over time.

Chapter 2 (24:50–49:00)

The Kindness We Never Forget During the First Year of Grief

Grief Girls ask, "What are some of the things friends and family did that helped you through your journey of grief?" The daughters share the acts of kindness they will never forget—from heartfelt messages and thoughtful gestures to friends who weren't afraid to say their dad's name or simply sit beside them in silence. They also discuss why well-intentioned comparisons can miss the mark and explain how acknowledging their dad's life brought far more comfort than avoiding the conversation.

Chapter 3 (50:00–End)

The Best Ways Parents Can Support Their Child's Grief

Grief Girls ask, "What advice would you give to other parents supporting their children through the loss of a parent?" Sofia, Ava, and Mia share what helped them feel loved and supported throughout their grief journey, including the importance of continuing to talk about their dad and recognizing that grief continues long after life appears to return to normal. Their powerful reminder to parents is simple: "Don't forget that we lost Dad too."

Key Takeaways

• Every child experiences grief differently, and there is no "right" way to grieve.
• Saying a loved one's name and sharing their stories brings comfort.
• Small acts of kindness are often remembered for a lifetime.
• Presence is more important than having the perfect words.
• Children continue to grieve long after others believe they have "moved on."
• Open conversations help keep memories alive and strengthen families.
• Healing doesn't mean leaving our loved one behind—it means carrying them with us.

If this episode touched your heart, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need hope, understanding, or encouragement today.

Credits & Special Thanks

A special thank you to Maria Stephanos of WCVB Channel 5 News for her kindness, encouragement, and interest in helping shine a light on the Grief & Inspiration community and the Grief Girls Podcast.

Maria's feature on Grief Girls helped bring awareness to the reality of grief and the importance of connection, support, and hope for those navigating loss.

Watch Maria Stephanos' interview with Grief Girls:

https://www.wcvb.com/article/the-grief-girls-south-shore/71280100

We are also deeply grateful to singer-songwriter Will Dempsey for his generosity and support of our mission. His music continues to bring comfort and connection to those navigating loss, and his willingness to help raise awareness means so much to us.

His song "Beat You There" beautifully reflects the heart of the Grief Girls Podcast—the understanding that grief brings profound sadness, unanswered questions, and a deep longing for those we love. Yet within that pain is the comforting reminder that love never ends. Our loved ones would want us to continue living, embracing meaningful moments, and finding joy again while carrying their memory with us. The song reminds us that although our paths may be temporarily separated, love remains our enduring connection.

Website: www.willdempseymusic.com

Instagram: @willdempseymusic

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Share With Someone Who Needs This

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a grieving child, parent, grandparent, teacher, coach, counselor, or friend. Together, we can help grieving families feel seen, understood, and never alone.

#GriefGirlsPodcast #GriefSupport #ChildGrief #ParentLoss #WidowSupport #LifeAfterLoss #HealingAfterLoss #GriefJourney #HopeAfterLoss #GriefCommunity #SayTheirName #YouAreNotAlone #SupportingGrievingChildren #FamilyGrief