Grief, I Didn't Sign Up for This
Grief is tough—but so are we. "Grief, I Didn't Sign Up for This," is a space for real, raw, and sometimes even humorous conversations about navigating loss, healing, and faith. Hosted by Shaleka Smith, this podcast explores the many faces of grief—not just losing loved ones but also the loss of relationships, identity, dreams, and expectations.
We’ll laugh, we’ll cry, and we’ll keep it real as we unpack the messy emotions that come with grief. Through personal stories, faith-based encouragement, and maybe even a few awkward moments (because grief can be weird), "Grief, I Didn't Sign Up for This" reminds you that you're not alone. With scripture, expert insights, and a little lightheartedness, we’ll walk this journey together—one step, one story, and one deep breath at a time.
Subscribe now for honest conversations, hope-filled encouragement, and the occasional grief-related chuckle. Because even in the hardest moments, joy still finds a way in.
Grief, I Didn't Sign Up for This
The Little Hearts: Childhood Grief
In this episode of Grief, I Didn’t Sign Up for This, host Shaleka Smith explores how children experience grief and how adults can guide them through it with compassion and honesty. Grief doesn’t just affect adults—children process loss in their own unique ways, and without guidance, they may carry confusion or fear into the future.
Shaleka breaks down what grief looks like at different developmental stages, why it’s important to talk openly with children about death, and best practices for helping them navigate loss. From using age-appropriate language and encouraging questions to creating memory rituals and maintaining routines, this episode offers practical tools for parents, caregivers, and educators.
This episode also features a highlighted chapter about Tina Dillard, who lost a cousin at a young age. Tina’s story reflects how early experiences with loss can shape a child’s understanding of death and grief.
Listeners will also learn what to avoid when supporting grieving children, when to seek additional help, and resources such as books and organizations that specialize in childhood bereavement.
This heartfelt and practical conversation is a guide for anyone who wants to help little hearts heal while building resilience, honesty, and hope in the face of loss.
