Hello and welcome to the Joy Factor Podcast! We’re 130,000+ downloads strong which is super exciting! Your ratings and reviews help the message of the show continue to be spread to those who need it the most so thank you! If you haven’t had a chance to share your thoughts on the show, there are many ways to rate and review: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/julie-hanson/the-joy-factor https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/cwgs7-42058/The-JOY-Factor-Mindfulness-Compassion-Positive-Psychology-Healing-Yoga-Podcast https://chartable.com/podcasts/the-joy-factor-mindfulness-compassion-positive-psychology-healing-yoga/reviews www.thejoyfactorpodcast.com Would you mind taking a moment to complete a fast survey so we can better understand who our listeners are? https://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast Today is episode 21 and I’m talking with Dr. Allison Bomba, a Maryland based psychologist who specializes in helping children navigate the grief process. Dr. Bomba brings hope and healing to children and families as they navigate the painful and confusing process of healing from a loss. Despite the seriousness of her work she’s still able to connect with her own joy factor and offers keen insight on how to help children recover after the death of a loved one. Today we're exploring: The most important lessons children teach us about grieving? Worden’s 4 tasks of mourning Accepting the reality of death. Working through the pain of grief.  Adjusting to a world in which the deceased person no longer lives. Finding a way to maintain a connection with a deceased person. Steps to support a grieving child: Signs that a child needed counseling or some other intervention to handle the grief? Dr. Bomba’s sources of personal inspiration  If Dr. Bomba’s words resonated with you, know that you’re not alone. There is help out there. If you or someone you love is struggling with grief please reach out for support. You don’t have to do it alone. Taking it one step at a time you will be able to help yourself and your loved ones work through the pain, find ways to keep memories alive and begin healing together.  Thanks for joining us today and take good care. Resources: www.drbomba.com Sesame Street in Communities/Grief National Alliance for Grieving Children University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital