August means back-to-school, and for many families, it also means navigating a new year with the weight of grief and the memory of a child who isn’t physically here.
In honor of Bereaved Parents Month, this special episode features public school educator Katie Gaffney and school mental health therapist Sally Wiley, who share their unique perspectives on how grief shows up in the classroom and how to better support children who have experienced the loss of a sibling.
Together, we explore how loss can impact learning and behavior, how to partner with teachers and counselors to create supportive environments, and simple, meaningful ways to include your angel baby in back-to-school traditions.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or school counselor, this conversation is full of practical advice and gentle reminders that you’re not alone—and that there’s no one right way to do this.
📚 Book recommendations from the episode:
• The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
• Everywhere Still by M.H. Clark
• Memory Jars by Vera Brosgol
• I Miss You by Pat Thomas
🤍 If you’re a family navigating pregnancy or infant loss, we’d love to connect: nofoottoosmall.org/families
🎧 Listen, follow, and share our podcast: nofoottoosmall.org/podcast
📩 Want to sponsor an episode? Email: jackie@nofoottoosmall.org
Special thanks to Storyline Multimedia for helping us hold space for these conversations.

Medical Disclaimer:  No Foot Too Small (NFTS) does not provide medical/health advice. Any information provided by NFTS is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Personal use or reliance on information from NFTS or its associated activities, including peer interactions, is strictly at your own risk. We strongly encourage you to consult with healthcare professionals regarding your individual situation and needs.