Agony Aunties: When Grief Is Triggered by Other People’s Children

In this Agony Aunties episode, Julia and Emily respond to a deeply moving question from a mother whose son died suddenly at 12. Together, they explore the painful jealousy and grief that can arise when seeing other families, especially teenage boys, living out the future her son should have had. They talk about why these reactions are not something to be ashamed of, but an expression of love, loss and the life that should still be here.

They also reflect on the fear of a child disappearing from the shared family story, the loneliness of child loss, and the importance of memory, ritual and connection. This is a tender, thoughtful episode about grief in one of its most heartbreaking forms, and a reminder that even the feelings we struggle most to name can be met with understanding.

Support Links:

Grief Works App: https://www.griefworks.com/

Cruse Bereavement Support: https://www.cruse.org.uk/

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