Helping Kids Navigate Grief: A Story of Love, Loss, and Healing

When children grieve, the adults around them are often grieving, too—but how do we help them process loss when we’re struggling ourselves? In this powerful conversation, author Lindsay Bonilla shares the deeply personal story behind her children’s book “The Hole,” written to help young readers understand and express grief.

With host Gabe Howard, together they explore the challenges of discussing death with kids, why grief shouldn’t be “filled in” and forgotten, and how storytelling can create space for healing. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or someone who has experienced loss, this episode offers heartfelt insights into navigating grief—both for children and yourself. Listen now for a moving discussion on love, loss, and the importance of remembering.

“A lot of children have experienced a lot of loss. So, letting kids lead and tell you what they need. Giving them tools, like children's books that address grief. Or if they see something. I mean, gee, there's a lot of, lot of movies. I mean, my son's obsessed with Star Wars. There's a lot of loss in that. And sometimes just taking the time to have the conversation at the level that they're comfortable with and letting them kind of lead the conversation. Rather than just acting like, well, they're fine. You know? [Laughter]” ~Lindsay Bonilla

Our guest, Lindsay Bonilla (LindsayBonilla.com), is a professional storyteller and author whose previous picture books include The Storyteller, the Parents’ Choice Award winner Polar Bear Island, I Love You with All of My Hearts, and The Note Who Faced the Music. She lives with her husband, two wild and creative kids, and her dog, Blitzen, in North Canton, Ohio.

Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. Gabe is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington.

Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com.

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