Navigating childhood Grief: How one Mom Turned Loss into a Legacy of Love
Losing a loved one is a universal experience, but explaining that loss to a child presents a unique challenge. Chanae Wood, an attorney, entrepreneur, and mother, intimately understands this struggle. Following the passing of her father, she found herself needing to help her then-3-year-old son process a grief he was too young to fully comprehend.This deeply personal journey ultimately inspired Wood to create something gorgeous and profoundly helpful: the children’s book, Where Is Skip-Pa? It’s a story born from heartache, therapy, and a desire to offer comfort to other families facing similar circumstances.
From Personal Healing to a Powerful Resource
Initially, writing the book was a therapeutic outlet for Wood herself. She discovered that revisiting cherished memories with her son wasn’t just aiding his understanding, but also giving her a renewed sense of purpose. “I felt like I’m not just letting life happen to me, like I was taking control over the situation and grief,” Wood explained.
Grief can be a disorienting force, and Wood’s book offers a gentle way to navigate its complexities with young children. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling in processing difficult emotions.
The Story Behind “Skip-Pa”
The endearing nickname “Skip-Pa” has a heartwarming origin. It stemmed from a playful combination of Wood’s childhood nickname, “Buddy,” and a shared love of the classic television show Gilligan’s Island. Her father envisioned himself as the “Skip-pa” to her son’s “Little Buddy,” creating a special bond that the book now celebrates.
However, the beauty of “Skip-Pa” lies in its universality. It’s not limited to grandfathers; it can represent any beloved figure - a grandmother,a sibling,or any person who holds a special place in a child’s heart. Loss impacts everyone, irrespective of age or relationship.
Empowering Conversations About Loss
Wood’s ultimate goal is to equip families with the tools to have open and honest conversations about grief with their children. She believes shielding children from the reality of death isn’t helpful, as death itself doesn’t shy away from introducing itself.
Instead,she advocates for proactively addressing the topic in a way that is both age-appropriate and uplifting. “What I love about this book is that it gives you hope,” Wood shared. “It reminds you that yes,they’re not here,but they left us with enough gems and legacy to allow us to continue to allow them to be on this Earth.”
Key Takeaways for Supporting Grieving Children:
Acknowledge the loss directly. Don’t avoid talking about the person who has passed.
Share memories. Reminiscing about happy times can be incredibly comforting.
Validate their feelings. Let your child know it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused. Offer simple explanations. Keep your language age-appropriate and avoid complex theological concepts.
Focus on legacy. Discuss how the person’s love and influence will continue to live on.
Be patient. Grief is a process, and there’s no set timeline for healing.
Where Is Skip-Pa? isn’t just a children’s book; it’s a compassionate guide for families navigating the difficult terrain of loss. It’s a reminder that even in the face of sadness, love and memories endure, offering a beacon of hope for both parents and children alike.
![Tumor Biomarker Discovery: Advancing Precision Chemotherapy | [Year]](https://i0.wp.com/www.futurity.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/cancer-tumors-chemotherapy-1600.jpg?resize=150%2C100&ssl=1 "Tumor Biomarker Discovery: Advancing Precision Chemotherapy | [Year]")
