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Grief is hard. Parenting through grief? Even harder. In this raw Quiet Confessions episode, Chelsea opens up about navigating the loss of their grandmother while parenting two young kids in a neurodivergent household. From balancing honesty with protection, to preparing children for a Catholic funeral when you’re not religious, to simply surviving the days that feel too heavy—this episode is a reminder that there’s no “right way” to grieve as a parent.
Chelsea shares the real, unfiltered moments: zoning out with laundry and true crime podcasts, leaning on contingency plans for her kids, and learning to accept that “just surviving” can be enough. If you’re navigating grief and parenting, this one’s for you—you’re not alone.
🗝️Key Takeaways
- Parenting through grief has no “right way.”
Grieving while raising kids is messy and unpredictable. Some days you may be calm and present, while other days, survival looks like folding laundry and tuning out with a podcast—and both are valid. - Honesty matters, but so does protecting your kids’ emotional load.
It’s okay to let children see your emotions and know you’re sad, but they don’t need to carry the full weight of your grief. Balance is key. - Preparation helps kids feel safe during big emotional events.
Explaining what to expect at a Catholic funeral, offering books like The Invisible String, and having a plan for breaks can make difficult experiences less overwhelming for children. - Neurodivergent families may need extra flexibility.
Sensory overload, emotional intensity, and unexpected triggers are common. Having check-ins, giving kids choices, and creating escape options can help everyone manage. - Self-compassion is essential.
Giving yourself permission to step back, feel numb, or not be fully present at all times is part of surviving grief. Perfection isn’t the goal—honesty and showing up as best you can are. - Grief doesn’t follow a timeline.
There’s no set pace for “getting through” loss. Allowing yourself and your kids to grieve in your own ways, without pressure, can ease some of the heaviness. - Connection brings comfort.
Even in the hardest moments, staying connected to loved ones—both living and those who’ve passed—can be a source of grounding and healing.
🎧Sound Bites
- “Parenting through grief isn’t about getting it right. There is no ‘right.’ Survival is enough.”
- “Grief doesn’t follow a neat, manicured timeline—especially when your nervous system is wired differently.”
- “Our kids don’t need perfect parents. They need honest ones who show up however they can.”
- “Some days I’m calm and present. Other days, all I can do is fold laundry and zone out to a podcast—and that’s okay.”
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Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection
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