Check out The Journal Gazette's "Five Questions for Debbie Meyer" to learn how she's shaping the future of grief support for children and families on the national level.
1 What does being elected board president of the National Alliance for Children’s Grief mean to you and for Erin’s House?
A: Being elected board president is both an incredible honor and a profound responsibility. It signifies a commitment to advancing the mission of supporting grieving children and their families on a national scale. This role provides an opportunity to influence policies, promote awareness and strengthen resources for organizations dedicated to childhood bereavement, ensuring that no child grieves alone.
For Erin’s House, this leadership role elevates the organization’s visibility and impact within the broader grief support community. Ultimately, this position allows Erin’s House to contribute to shaping the national conversation around grief and ensure that children and families receive the support they deserve.
2 What are your top priorities during your tenure?
A: As NACG board president, my top priorities are expanding access to grief support, particularly in underserved communities, and increasing public awareness and advocacy for grieving children. I aim to enhance training for professionals, strengthen collaboration among grief organizations, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in grief support.
Advancing research, cultivating partnerships, advocating for policy changes, expanding resources, and ensuring NACG’s financial sustainability are all essential to building a more grief-informed society.
3 How has the landscape of childhood bereavement changed in recent years, and how is Erin’s House adapting?
A: Childhood bereavement has evolved due to the COVID-19 pandemic, increased mental health awareness and the rise of grief-informed care. More children are experiencing loss, and society is more open to discussing grief, reducing the stigma around seeking support. Schools and workplaces are embracing grief-informed practices, and virtual support options are expanding access.
At Erin’s House, we’ve adapted by expanding programming in the community with outreach effort, continuing to provide our peer-support groups at no cost, and reaching more underserved families. Erin’s House is dedicated to making grief support accessible to all children, regardless of their racial, socioeconomic or family background. We integrate expressive arts, trauma-informed care and research-based approaches to enhance support.
4 What’s a misconception among adults about children’s grief?
A: One of the biggest misconceptions is the belief that kids are too young to understand loss or that they “bounce back” quickly. Many assume that because children may not express grief in the same way as adults, they are not deeply affected by loss.
Children’s grief comes in waves, often resurfacing over time, making long-term support essential. We encourage adults to engage in open conversations, create a safe space and seek peer-support groups or grief programs to help their child navigate their new normal.
5 What motivates you to continue advocating for grieving children and their families?
A: I do this work in honor of my uncle, who was just 9 years old when my grandmother died. At that time, families often tried to shield children from grief by removing photos, packing away belongings or even sending them away for a period of time. Perhaps they thought it would ease the pain, but in reality, it left children without the support they needed.
Advocating for grieving children and their families isn’t just a professional responsibility; it’s a personal mission.
Grief touches everyone, and by equipping children with coping skills, we help them understand and navigate those difficult emotions, now and in the future.
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