BTDubs Podcast

The Mom Panel: When Goodbye Comes - Conversations about grief as a family Part One

Jackie de Godbout Season 1 Episode 3

In this episode, we open up about the pain of loss, navigating grief as parents, and the emotional weight that comes with trying to hold it all together for our children while healing ourselves. Whether you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, a child, a pregnancy, or are walking beside someone in mourning, this conversation is here to remind you: you’re not alone.

We discuss:

- The different forms grief can take
- How to support children through grief
- Coping mechanisms for parents
- The importance of community and self-compassion
- Personal stories from our panel on love, loss, and healing
- Grief is a deeply personal experience that varies for everyone.
- Open communication about death is crucial for children.
- Children process loss in their own unique ways.
- Creating a safe space for discussions about death helps families cope.
- Rituals and symbols, like Drake Dog, can help children understand loss.
- It's important to acknowledge and validate children's feelings about death.
- Families may have different cultural or religious approaches to grief.
- The impact of loss can resonate throughout a person's life. It's important to validate children's feelings about grief.
- Grieving can manifest in anger and frustration towards loved ones.
- Therapy and support groups are crucial for processing grief.
- Grief is a non-linear journey with various stages.
- Parents often put their own grief aside to support their children.
- It's essential to give oneself permission to feel all emotions.
- Celebrating the life of the lost loved one can aid in healing.
- Open conversations about grief can help families cope better.
- Checking in on friends who are grieving is vital.
- Understanding that grief is a personal journey can foster empathy.

If you or someone you love is struggling, please know that support is available.

Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/insomnia
License code: VM5HVLXCTQBZ9WHV

https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/black-coffee
License code: MFHFRGQLQEZYMC0N

Resources: 

U.S.: National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial 988

Canada: Talk Suicide Canada – Call or text 988

Available 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.

Grief Support Resources:
The Dougy Center – dougy.org

Support for grieving children, teens, and families:
GriefShare – griefshare.org

Crisis Textline: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor who can help you cope with any issue.
Local and virtual grief support groups.

What’s Your Grief – whatsyourgrief.com

00:00 Preview / Intro
03:17 Exploring Grief and Loss
05:21 Personal Experiences with Loss
08:28 Navigating Grief as a Parent
17:23 Talking to Children About Death
29:14 Reflections on Death and Family Dynamics
31:55 Navigating Grief as a Parent
40:21 The Impact of Loss on Family Dynamics
46:14 Personal Stories of Grief and Healing
58:23 Understanding Grief: A Journey of Acceptance
01:00:28 Celebrating Life Amidst Grief
01:02:37 Outro & Resources


Tools, articles, and courses for coping with loss.

Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Resources

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) – afsp.org

Education, support groups, and healing resources for suicide loss.

CAMH (Canada) – camh.ca

Mental health tools, support, and research-driven resources.

Tiesha N. Bryant's work:
NAHPRO Never allow a heartbroken parent to remain oppressed.
KLAP Kids living without a parent.

Want to be a guest on our podcast? Contact us at: BTDubsWithJackie@gmail.com