290. Helping Kids Navigate Grief and Loss (with Annie F. Downs)

I loved getting to have Annie F. Downs back on the podcast again! Annie’s new children’s book, Where Did TJ Go?, was written as a practical resource to help kids better understand and process grief.

Grief can be a heavy topic, but this episode isn’t all dark and gloomy, trust me! We start out with a funny discussion on Bone Broth Hot Cocoa (yes, for real!) and how to not have it taste like chocolate beef. Plus, protein and getting older and even menopause. 🙂

And then we move to Annie sharing her unexpected journey of writing this book and walking the road of losing her precious nephew, TJ. I appreciate Annie sharing so openly about the deep loss and challenges and also the beautiful moments of TJ’s life. We discuss how to better love others who are going through grief and loss and some of the hardest parts of this experience for Annie personally. 

This is truly an emotional yet uplifting conversation that reminds us all of the importance of holding space for both grief and joy and supporting each other through life’s most difficult moments and you will not want to miss this conversation. I also highly recommend Annie’s new book, Where Did TJ Go?: A Book for Kids on Grief and Loss!

In This Episode
[0:35] – I welcome my friend Anne F. Downs back to the show! [1:45] – Annie shares having mistakenly bought the wrong bone broth for a hot chocolate recipe, resulting in beef flavored hot cocoa. 🙂 [7:25] – Cottage cheese, protein, good intentions, and menopause. [9:06] – The inspiration behind Where Did TJ Go? [11:53] – Unable to find resources for grieving children, Annie wrote Where Did TJ Go? for her nephew Sam, TJ’s brother. [14:39] – TJ miraculously survived for 56 days! Annie shares some of his life and memories with him. [20:06] – I talk about losing two siblings as a child. [23:03] – Annie points out some beautiful things illustrator Jenny Poh included in the book. [25:35] – I compare The Hope of Heaven to Where Did TJ Go?, appreciating their shared message of hope. [29:36] – Annie reflects on having signed over 300 bookplates in loving memory and recognizing families’ need for remembering their loved ones by name. [31:49] – Annie sees how TJ’s death reshaped her family and her perspective. [34:30] – Hear how grief overwhelmed Annie after TJ’s death but that writing the book helped her process it. [37:07] – Although she is still grieving, Annie finds healing in writing and trusting that pain can have a purpose. [40:22] – It’s important to continually check on grieving friends, even years after the loss. [42:04] – Comparing TJ to a friend’s child was difficult, but the book’s personal details bring comfort.

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

The Crystal Paine Show – 246. The Best Way to Encourage Your Single Friends

Annie’s Website

Books

Where Did TJ Go?: A Book for Kids on Grief and Loss by Annie F. Downs, Tatum Green, & Jennie Poh

The Hope