Join us for an insightful and heartfelt conversation with Dr. Elena Merenda, founder of Children's Healing Studio, as she shares her personal journey with grief and her professional expertise in supporting children and families through the grieving process. Elena discusses how children experience and express grief differently from adults, offers practical strategies for parents, and emphasizes the importance of seeking support during difficult times.

Time Stamps

00:00 - Introduction and Elena's personal connection to grief

02:00 - Elena's journey to founding Children's Healing Studio

05:00 - Discussion of personal grief experiences and family dynamics

13:00 - How children process grief differently from adults

16:00 - Common behavioral changes in grieving children

19:00 - Therapeutic approaches for supporting grieving children

24:00 - Creating new traditions and adapting to change

28:00 - Impact of grief on infants and toddlers

33:00 - Grief in the context of divorce and family separation

36:00 - Timeline of grief processing and healing

42:00 - Advice for families seeking support

45:00 - How to find the right therapeutic fit for your child

47:53 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Key Takeaways

Children's Grief Expression

• Children experience the same emotions as adults but express them differently
• Play remains a normal function even during grief
• Behavioral changes are common signs of grief in children

Impact on Different Age Groups

• Infants and toddlers are affected through disruption of routines and attachment
• Young children may show regression in development
• All age groups need age-appropriate support and explanation

Supporting Grieving Children

• Start with understanding what the child knows about death
• Use clear, direct language (e.g., "died" instead of "lost")
• Honor religious and cultural beliefs
• Allow children to express emotions without rushing to fix them

Family Dynamics

• Maintain boundaries and routines while offering appropriate choices
• Create new traditions when old ones are too painful
• Be honest about emotions while remaining age-appropriate
• Consider the whole family system in the healing process

Professional Support

• Give therapeutic relationships at least three sessions
• Allow children some control in the process
• Finding the right fit is crucial for successful support
• Don't hesitate to seek help - it's a sign of strength

Resources

For support and more information about Children's Healing Studio, contact Elena Merenda https://www.childrenshealingstudio.ca/

Connect with Katie

https://www.heartinhome.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/heartinhomeliving/

Heart & Home Podcast For guest recommendations or to be featured on the show, email: heartandhomepodcast@gmail.com

This podcast episode features an in-depth conversation with Jenna Collins, co-director of Prodigal Pottery, a non-profit organization based in Alabama that employs women fleeing homelessness, domestic abuse, and sex trafficking. Jenna shares the organization's mission to employ, equip, and empower women in need, providing them with a safe work environment and life skills training. She also discusses the critical role of faith, community support, and second chances in the healing process. Jenna's personal testimony as a survivor adds profound depth to the discussion, highlighting the transformative power of love, faith, and community in rebuilding lives.

For those interested in supporting or learning more about Prodigal Pottery, visit their website:

https://prodigalpottery.com/

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Prodigal Pottery

01:00 Welcome to the Show

01:35 Meet Jenna Collins

02:29 The Origin of Prodigal Pottery

04:12 Faith and Empowerment

05:54 Personal Testimonies

08:36 The Three E's: Employ, Equip, Empower

11:34 Overcoming Employment Barriers

18:34 Community and Support

21:56 Impact and Ripple Effect

27:45 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

40:32 Conclusion and Call to Action

Key Takeaways

Prodigal Pottery's Three E's:

• Employ: Providing job opportunities regardless of background
• Equip: Teaching pottery skills, business knowledge, and essential life skills
• Empower: Daily mentorship and accountability to build confidence and independence

The Power of Second Chances:

• Many women face employment barriers due to past records
• Trust and opportunity can be transformative
• Small acts of faith in people can lead to major life changes

Impact of Faith:

• Christ-centered approach focusing on God's love and grace
• Walking alongside women in their spiritual journeys
• Creating a supportive, faith-based community

Community Support:

• Simple donations like toiletries and supplies make a significant difference
• Volunteer opportunities through Bible studies and activities
• The importance of treating shelter residents with dignity and respect

Success Stories:

• Started with 2-3 women, now employing 14
• Products sold in over 1,600 stores across the United States and internationally
• Countless lives transformed through the program

Notable Quotes

• "God doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called."
• "Empowered women empower others."
• "The greatest gift of a second chance is I get to be honest today."

How to Support

• Purchase handmade pottery products from Prodigal Pottery
• Donate supplies to local shelters
• Volunteer time and skills
• Consider employing individuals seeking second chances
• Support organizations helping women in crisis

Connect with Katie Begley

https://www.heartinhome.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/heartinhomeliving/

heartinhomepodcast@gmail.com

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Dr. Brittany Burrows, a naturopathic doctor at Health Space Collective, to explore the interconnected world of hormones, gut health, and holistic wellness. Dr. Burrows shares her expertise on developing sustainable treatment plans and helps demystify common health concerns that many of us face in our busy lives.

Episode Highlights

• The interconnected nature of body systems and the importance of holistic healthcare
• Understanding the relationship between gut health, hormones, and overall wellbeing
• The truth about cortisol and stress management
• Practical tips for incorporating protein and healthy eating into busy lifestyles
• The importance of fiber in gut health and creative ways to increase intake
• Supporting children's gut health through diet and environmental exposure
• Finding the right healthcare practitioner for your personal journey

Time Stamps

00:00 The Importance of Feeling Heard

00:22 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:56 Welcome Dr. Brittany Burrows ND

02:36 Holistic Health and Interconnected Systems

05:05 Personal Journey with Gut Health

12:38 Stress and Digestive Health

14:43 Managing Stress and Cortisol

27:10 The Role of Protein in Health

29:24 Reflecting on Proper Nutrition

29:39 Enhancing Meals with Protein

30:52 Personalized Healthy Eating Strategies

33:52 Incorporating Fiber into Your Diet

41:03 Gut Health Tips for Kids

47:00 Starting Your Health Journey

52:16 Finding the Right Healthcare Practitioner

Key Takeaways

Holistic Health Approach

• Body systems are interconnected and shouldn't be treated in isolation
• Conventional and natural medicine both have important roles in healthcare
• Treatment plans should be sustainable and personalized

Stress Management

• Cortisol levels are often within normal range despite stress
• Exercise is beneficial for stress management and shouldn't be avoided
• Movement is crucial for managing stress and maintaining overall health

Nutrition Tips

• Focus on protein intake, especially at breakfast
• Aim for at least 80 grams of protein daily for most people
• Add fiber gradually to avoid digestive discomfort
• Simple additions like seeds and legumes can enhance nutritional value

Sustainable Health Changes

• Start with one small change and maintain it for 4-6 weeks
• Choose realistic and manageable modifications
• Avoid overwhelming yourself with too many changes at once

Children's Gut Health

• Encourage dietary diversity
• Promote outdoor play and exposure to nature
• Include probiotic-rich foods in their diet
• Avoid restricting foods unnecessarily

Finding the Right Healthcare Support

• Look for practitioners who make you feel heard
• Don't give up if the first provider isn't the right fit
• Consider meet-and-greet sessions with potential practitioners

Quote of the Episode

"Finding somewhere where you feel heard is just so important. If I were to hammer one point home, it would just be around finding someone you're comfortable with and where you can be heard. That's such an important piece of the healing journey."

Resources Mentioned

• Health Space Collective (Dr. Burrows' practice)
• Greek yogurt and other probiotic-rich foods
• Natural sources of fiber (nuts, seeds, legumes)
• Movement and exercise options for stress management

Follow Dr. Brittany Burrows on social media for