Description:
What does grief look like for a child—and how do we actually support them without trying to “fix” it?
In this deeply human conversation, Rich Schimel, founder of A Little Hope Foundation, shares over 20 years of experience supporting grieving children and families in the aftermath of loss—from September 11th to suicide, overdose, and sudden death.
Founded in 2002 after 9/11, A Little Hope became one of the first national organizations dedicated to children’s grief, creating safe, judgment-free spaces where kids can express what they’re feeling—without being told how they should feel.
In this episode, we explore:
Why grief isn’t something you fix
How children internalize loss differently than adults
The long-term emotional impact of losing a parent young
Why safe space matters more than advice
How grief affects identity, behavior, and mental health
What parents often overlook while trying to “be strong”
Why suicide- and overdose-related loss carries unique stigma
How peer connection transforms healing for kids
This isn’t an action-packed episode.
It’s a necessary one.
If you’ve lost someone, are raising a grieving child, or care about how we handle grief in our culture—this conversation will stay with you.
For more on Rich Schimel and A Little Hope Foundation: https://alittlehope.org/
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DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh.
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
04:12 How 9/11 Inspired His Foundation
08:47 Why Grief Is Not Something You Fix
13:35 Creating Safe Spaces for Grieving Children
18:54 How Children Process Loss Differently
24:31 Parenting While Grieving Yourself
30:03 Suicide and Overdose Loss Explained
35:58 The Long-Term Impact of Unresolved Grief
41:10 What Actually Helps Grieving Children Heal
46:05 How to Support or Get Involved
#childrengrieving #childhoodtrauma #griefprocess #grievingchildren
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