Talking about Death: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child [Paperback]

Earl A. Grollman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 16, 1991 | ISBN-10: 0807023639 | ISBN-13: 978-0807023631 | Edition: 3

Why do people die? How do you explain the loss of a loved one to a child? This book is a compassionate guide for adults and children to read together, featuring a readalong story, answers to questions children ask about death, and a comprehensive list of resources and organizations that can help.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Highly recommended." --Parents Magazine

"No one does a better job of helping us help the stricken adult or child to cope with grief."--Harold S. Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People

"Like having a talk with a wise, caring friend." --Dr. Bernie S. Siegel, author of Love, Medicine and Miracles

"Earl Grollman makes a wonderful difference in this world." --Fred Rogers, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

 

 

About the Author

Dr. Earl A. Grollman, a pioneer in the field of crisis intervention, was rabbi of the Beth El Temple Center in Belmont, Massachusetts, for thirty-six years. A certified death educator and counselor, he was cited as "Hero of The Heartland" for his work with the families and volunteers of the Oklahoma City bombing. Dr. Grollman has spoken at many colleges, clergy institutes, seminaries, physicians' forums, and hospital nursing associations, and has addressed many support groups, such as Compassionate Friends, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Widows Personal Services. He has also appeared on national television and radio, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Children's Journal, All Things Considered, and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Recently, he was featured on National Public Radio's End of Life series in the roundtable discussion on grief and bereavement.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Beacon Press; 3 edition (November 16, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807023639
• ISBN-13: 978-0807023631
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.4 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #469,148 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Earl A. Grollman, a pioneer in the field of crisis intervention, was rabbi of the Beth El Temple Center in Belmont, Massachusetts, for thirty-six years. A certified death educator and counselor, he was cited as "Hero of The Heartland" for his work with the families and volunteers of the Oklahoma City bombing. Dr. Grollman has spoken at many colleges, clergy institutes, seminaries, physicians' forums, and hospital nursing associations, and has addressed many support groups, such as Compassionate Friends, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Widows Personal Services. He has also appeared on national television and radio, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Children's Journal, All Things Considered, and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Recently, he was featured on National Public Radio's End of Life series in the roundtable discussion on grief and bereavement.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every Oncologist Should Give this to their Patients, May 1, 2003

By 

Stephanie Anne "music & book nut" (Maine, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Talking about Death: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child (Paperback)

I did a research paper for college on how children are ignored during the grieving process, particularly when the deceased is their parent. Of all the many books and articles I found during my research, this book became my exclusive favorite. Rabbi Grollman understands how a child's mind works during each stage of development and provides excellent suggestions and advice on how to reach a child at each stage of understanding and awareness. I hadn't considered some of the things he mentioned but found everything to be sound, make sense, and above all, they work as I help my now deceased friend's young children cope with her loss in their lives. This book will also help the adult to understand death better and come to terms with the loss. A win/win for everyone.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful, yet easy-to-read is a Winner!, September 6, 2004

By 

Marcia Breitenbach ""The Songletter Lady&... (Tucson, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Talking about Death: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child (Paperback)

As a therapist specializing in grief for 20 years, I have seen many books that help adults to help children with their grief. This is definitely one of the best because it is a simple and effective guide for adults to use during challenging times. It is very hard, as a parent, to focus on a lengthy and very wordy book. Earl Grollman's book is designed to make it easy to find the aspect of the grief process that you are looking for.

Because I also run a pet loss group, I appreciate the sensitivity he brings to this subject. So often, misguided parents or friends try to replace a pet too soon. This author states, "Do not rob your children of the right to grieve, cope with, and overcome their pain." (p. 71)

I also love the list in the back of resources, including groups for various types of loss, and books and movies that may be helpful. Boy would I love to have a lot of those films in my personal library! It's always helpful to have choices as you're moving through the unchartered territory of each unique grief journey.
Marcia Breitenbach, founder of[...]

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For The Child In All Of Us, August 8, 2000

By 

"goldcoastreviews" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Talking about Death: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child (Paperback)

Talking about death of loved ones, even a family pet, with my two teen boys has been difficult. This inspiring book has been a catharsis for them--and for me. The third edition, from the early '90's, still evokes the child in all of us. Sometimes, simple gets the point across easier.

Using a manner of a friendly family Doctor or confidant, Earl Grollman writes about how to cope with the grief, the anger, the hopelessness of it all. Death is never easy--especially if there were unresolved issues. Illustrations and ideas seem to work for adults as well as the younger set. We find "remembering aloud" our best moments with those we have lost in the last few years to be of great importance in an ongoing healing process. Vocalizing to each other our rememberances brings on a gush of needed tears, shadowed smiles and sometimes loving laughs.

"Talking About Death" helps heal the child in all of us. I highly recommend this book for those grieving and those that wish to know what to say or do for those you know in this situation.

Thanks--CDS