88 | Talking About Death with our Intellectually Disabled Kids

When my daughter with Down syndrome lost a sweet friend at the young age of 12, I found myself facing the daunting task of explaining death in a way she could understand. This journey led me to discover not only the challenges but the deep importance of having these conversations with children, especially those with intellectual disabilities.

Through this episode, I share heartfelt stories and practical insights from these experiences, offering guidance on approaching such sensitive topics with gentleness and clarity. Our societal reluctance to address death often leaves us unprepared, but through personal anecdotes, I believe we need to normalize these discussions to foster better communication and coping mechanisms.

This episode is packed with thoughtful strategies to support children as they navigate grief like the importance of validating emotions and maintaining stability through routines to coming up with creative ways to honor and remember loved ones, from memory boxes to acts of kindness. Don't forget to give grace for both yourself and your child throughout this healing journey.

Books I might recommend to help explain death:What Happens When a Loved One Dies by Jillian Roberts and

I Have a Question About Death by Arlen Grad Gaines and Meredith Polsky

Death, Children, Intellectual Disabilities, Grief, Coping, Sensitivity, Communication, Normalizing, Strategies, Encouragement, Loss, Personal Experiences, Parenting, Funerals, Memory Boxes, Acts of Kindness, Grace, Healing Journey, Resources-------

Hey! Are you a parent of a loved one with a disability? Have you ever wanted to be on a podcast? Then I want to hear from you! Literally! Send me an audio message that I can include in an upcoming special episode.

Just⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be directed to a website where you can record your response to the following question:

If you could go back in time to when your child was first diagnosed with a disability, what would you tell yourself?

I would LOVE to hear from you!! And finally, if you have been wondering how long you need to keep certain documents, whether its a utility bill, and IEP, medical records, or an insurance policy, I have a quick and accessible one-page document for you to download that shares exactly how long you should be holding on to these items and when you can let them go (e.g. shred and/or recycle.)

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And I promise I won't start bombarding your inbox with emails -- that is not my style! I just want to be able to stay in touch and keep you informed occasionally of resources to help you reclaim whatever it is YOU need!

Happy Organizing!

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