Raising Resilient Hearts:
A practical guide for conversations on justice and global struggles
Whether you're answering hard questions or starting important conversations, this guide is your resource for raising socially aware and thoughtful kids.
Are you tired of worrying about:
What if I say the wrong thing and confuse or scare my child?
How can I explain such heavy topics in a way my child will understand?
What if I don’t have all the answers or feel too overwhelmed myself?
How do I balance being honest with protecting their innocence?
This guide is here to support you, not replace your instincts. You know your child best. Together, we’ll help you navigate these tough conversations with confidence.
From Overwhelmed to Confident
If you’ve ever worried about saying the wrong thing, not having the answers, or overwhelming your child with heavy topics, this guide is here to ease those fears.
It provides clear, age-appropriate language to help you explain complex issues, practical tools to answer even the toughest questions, and gentle reminders that you don’t have to be perfect, you just have to show up.
By using this guide, you’ll feel more equipped to navigate these conversations with confidence and compassion, creating space for honesty, connection, and growth in your family.
coming soon
non - google options
You asked, I listened.
Some parents have expressed concern about the e-guide living in a Google Doc, in regards to Google's surveillance and as we all try to “de-google” our lives.
I am currently reformatting the guide as a e-book pdf via Reedsy, as well as making it an EPUB document so you can upload it to your e-readers (Kindle/iBooks).
Everyone that purchases the guide prior to the reformatting (as long as this message is on this page) will be emailed the new e-books, as soon as they're made at no extra cost.
So let's get this guide into your hands right away with the Google Doc, and then keep an eye out for an email this week (June 23rd-27th).
Thank you for your patience!
What's inside the guide?
Parental Support Tools:
Get a pep talk, practical tips, and tools to boost your confidence in navigating these challenging yet vital conversations.
Age-Appropriate Guidance:
Learn how kids process grief and discover practical tips for having age-appropriate, meaningful conversations
Scripts and Affirmations:
Access 100 ready-to-use scripts for tough questions and 50 affirmations designed to validate your child’s big emotions.
Understanding Through Diverse Perspectives:
Explore the science of how kids process emotions and gain wisdom inspired by Indigenous approaches to storytelling and connection.
Ready to feel confident and empowered?
$25CAD
$25CAD
What's inside?
Each section of this 100-page guide is a stand alone article, so you can jump to what you need in the moment.
My Rooted Parenting Approach: Foundations & Values
A Note to Families Directly Impacted By Injustice
The Science Behind It: Brain Development, Emotional Regulation, and How Kids Make Meaning
Centering Indigenous Knowledge and Practices
Before You Begin: It’s OK to Show Up Imperfectly— Here’s How to Repair, Reconnect, and Keep Going
Reflective Prompts for Parents
When Tragedy Hits Home: Trauma Informed Ways to Speak to Children After Witnessing Violence or a Mass-Casualty Events First Hand
When Less Is More: Talking to Kids Without Giving
Them the Whole World to Carry
When They Ask Hard Questions: Talking to Kids About World Issues
But Make It Age-Appropriate: How to Have Conversations That Are Safe For Their Age
Simple + Deeper Scripts for Big Emotions: Validating Your Child’s Emotions
Empowerment Tool: 50 Affirmations for Kids - Plus the Neuroscience, Emotional Benefits, and Practical Tips for Parents
kind words from clients
"I never ordered anything so fast. The scripts for parents!!! Thank you so much for this @mamasmatterhere!!
—MKF, Parent Guide Purchaser
"I didn't even realize how much I needed this tonight. What a remarkable community, and the teachings were so helpful. I feel much more connected and less helpless now. So grateful and validated."
—Decolonizing Grief Workshop Survey
"Ayako created a beautiful and safe space to share raw, vulnerable emotions without the fear of being judged. It was definitely a sacred experience of holding space for one another and processing thoughts/feelings together."
—Pregnancy After Loss 6-Week Cohort Survey
"Ayako created such a safe space and covered so many valuable topics around grief with a perspective that isn't often spoken about in the grief communities."
—Decolonizing Grief Workshop Survey
author
Ayako Gallagher (she/her)
Hi, I’m Ayako Gallagher (pronounced eye-ya-ko), pronouns she/her. I am a settler of Japanese and Irish descent who is incredibly grateful to live and work on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, now colonially known as Vancouver, BC, Canada.
I am the founder of the Loss to Love App, the first comprehensive app providing emotional support for bereaved parents. I am an ICF-certified grief coach, public speaker, activist, bereaved mother, and proud mum to two curious and energetic kids and my darling, Emiko, in the stars. I studied Sociology and Political Science at the University of British Columbia and have spent over two decades immersed in activism and community support.
My journey has included mentoring Indigenous youth in foster care, founding and managing a non-profit organization to uplift youth in Kingston, Jamaica's garbage dump community, and, most recently, dedicating the past five years to supporting families through the profound grief of baby loss.
Supporting children’s grief and trauma has been a consistent thread throughout my personal and professional life. And as I continue to decolonize my perspective on Western education, I embrace the value of knowledge gained through lived experiences. Whether it’s guiding my own children through the loss of their sister, working with families navigating their own grief and trauma, or learning alongside other grief professionals, I stand confident in sharing the insights I’ve gathered. This guide reflects that collective knowledge, and I hope it offers you meaningful support on your parenting journey.
Don’t wait—grab your copy of A Parent’s Guide: Talking to Children About Global Conflicts for just $25CAD
(that's only around $19USD!)