Supporting Children Through Grief: A Conversation with Dr. Elena Merenda

Join us for an insightful and heartfelt conversation with Dr. Elena Merenda, founder of Children's Healing Studio, as she shares her personal journey with grief and her professional expertise in supporting children and families through the grieving process. Elena discusses how children experience and express grief differently from adults, offers practical strategies for parents, and emphasizes the importance of seeking support during difficult times.

Time Stamps

00:00 - Introduction and Elena's personal connection to grief

02:00 - Elena's journey to founding Children's Healing Studio

05:00 - Discussion of personal grief experiences and family dynamics

13:00 - How children process grief differently from adults

16:00 - Common behavioral changes in grieving children

19:00 - Therapeutic approaches for supporting grieving children

24:00 - Creating new traditions and adapting to change

28:00 - Impact of grief on infants and toddlers

33:00 - Grief in the context of divorce and family separation

36:00 - Timeline of grief processing and healing

42:00 - Advice for families seeking support

45:00 - How to find the right therapeutic fit for your child

47:53 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Key Takeaways

Children's Grief Expression

• Children experience the same emotions as adults but express them differently
• Play remains a normal function even during grief
• Behavioral changes are common signs of grief in children

Impact on Different Age Groups

• Infants and toddlers are affected through disruption of routines and attachment
• Young children may show regression in development
• All age groups need age-appropriate support and explanation

Supporting Grieving Children

• Start with understanding what the child knows about death
• Use clear, direct language (e.g., "died" instead of "lost")
• Honor religious and cultural beliefs
• Allow children to express emotions without rushing to fix them

Family Dynamics

• Maintain boundaries and routines while offering appropriate choices
• Create new traditions when old ones are too painful
• Be honest about emotions while remaining age-appropriate
• Consider the whole family system in the healing process

Professional Support

• Give therapeutic relationships at least three sessions
• Allow children some control in the process
• Finding the right fit is crucial for successful support
• Don't hesitate to seek help - it's a sign of strength

Resources

For support and more information about Children's Healing Studio, contact Elena Merenda https://www.childrenshealingstudio.ca/

Connect with Katie

https://www.heartinhome.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/heartinhomeliving/

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