The FIT Woman Podcast Episode 18: Navigating Grief for You and Your Child

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Grief is not something we “get over.” It’s something we learn to carry — and for children, that journey can be confusing, lonely, and overwhelming without the right support.

In this deeply moving episode, Tania is joined by Ta’Shay Mason, U.S. Army veteran, author, grief advocate, and creator of the children’s book series A Child’s Journey Through Grief. Ta’Shay shares her personal story of losing her father at a young age and how that experience shaped her life, her healing, and ultimately her mission to help children and families navigate loss with compassion and understanding.

Drawing from her lived experience, education, and years of grief support work, Ta’Shay explains why children often struggle to express grief, how adults can create safe space for emotional expression, and what healing can look like when grief is acknowledged instead of avoided.

Together, Tania and Ta’Shay have an honest and heartfelt conversation about loss, resilience, and how love and connection become anchors during life’s most difficult moments.

In this episode, you’ll hear them discuss:

• How children experience grief differently than adults
• Why avoiding conversations about loss can create long-term emotional impact
• How Ta’Shay’s childhood loss inspired her book series
• What parents and caregivers can say — and not say — when a child is grieving
• Simple ways adults can support children who struggle to express emotions
• Signs that a child may be grieving quietly or internally
• Why creativity, remembrance, and storytelling help children heal
• How grief can coexist with joy, growth, and connection

This episode is a must-listen for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone supporting a child through loss — or carrying their own unspoken grief.

Key Takeaways

Grief looks different for every child — and that’s okay.
Children need honesty, reassurance, and emotional safety.
Avoiding conversations about loss can deepen confusion and fear.
Healing begins when feelings are acknowledged, not minimized.
Love, remembrance, and connection are powerful tools for healing

About the Guest

Ta’Shay Mason is a U.S. Army veteran of 16 years, retired federal employee, certified nutrition lifestyle coach, and author of the children’s book series A Child’s Journey Through Grief. She holds two Master’s degrees in Management and Social Work, as well as a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (Ed.D.).

After experiencing the loss of her father as a child and later processing that grief as an adult through counseling, Ta’Shay felt called to create resources to help children navigate loss in healthy, age-appropriate ways. Her books include But I Don’t Want to Say GOODBYE!, It’s OK to Be Happy!, and Let’s Celebrate!, along with a companion activity and coloring book, Remember, Love, Celebrate: Creative Activities for Healing, published through her company, Belshay Books.

Ta’Shay has volunteered for years at children’s grief support centers and currently facilitates online grief support groups for adults. She is also an active community volunteer and served as a Team Liaison for Team USA at the Invictus Games.

Connect with Ta’Shay

Website: www.tashay-mason.com/books

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashay.mason

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashay_mason/

KENS5 – Great Day SA Interview:

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Thanks for tuning in to the FIT Woman Podcast. Remember, nothing thrives in a deficit — not your body, not your hormones, and not your mindset. You deserve to feel strong, energized, and confident through every stage of life.

If you’re ready to ditch the diets and deprivation and finally take back control of your health, hormones, weight and happiness, watch my free video at fuelignitethrive.com. It’s the perfect next step to fueling your body, igniting your metabolism and your mind, so you can step into midlife with confidence, and thrive.

Because healthy is happy, strong is the new sexy, and the rest of your life truly can be the best of your life.

Hugs,
Tania

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