Losing a Parent as a Teen: Insights from Sunny Lamba

Welcome to the Mindshift Power podcast, where we have raw and honest conversations with teenagers and the adults who work with them. I'm your host, Fatima Bey, the mind shifter. Today, we're delving into the profound topic of losing a parent as a teen with our special guest, Sunny Lamba.

Sunny Lamba, the host of Floodhentic Me podcast, is a mindset and self-love coach and the owner of Authentic Me Coaching based in Toronto, Canada. Sunny shares her deeply personal journey of losing her mother to cancer at the tender age of 14 and how it has shaped her life and relationships.

The Immediate Impact

Sunny's life took a drastic turn when her mother passed away after a three-year battle with cancer. As a 14-year-old, Sunny was thrust into a role of responsibility, taking care of her two younger siblings. Her older sister, who was 16 at the time, also had to step into the role of a caretaker. Sunny vividly recalls the small but significant changes, like not having her mother to braid her hair, which highlighted the void left by her mother's absence.

Role Changes Within the Family

The loss of their mother forced Sunny and her siblings into new roles. Her older sister became a mother figure, while Sunny took on a similar role for her younger siblings. This shift in dynamics created a hierarchy within the family, where the siblings had to parent each other rather than just being siblings. This change had a lasting impact on their relationships and how they viewed their roles within the family.

Emotional and Psychological Effects

Sunny discusses the emotional turmoil she experienced, including feelings of unworthiness and the pressure to meet societal expectations. The loss of her mother led to a struggle with self-esteem and a tendency towards perfectionism. The fear of judgment and the desire to prove herself added to the emotional burden she carried through her teenage years.

The Importance of Community Support

Sunny emphasizes the crucial role of community and family support in the grieving process. While she had a supportive family, there was a lack of open conversations about her mother's death, which led to suppressed emotions. She stresses the importance of talking about the deceased and sharing memories, as it helps in the healing process.

Coping and Healing

Sunny's journey to healing involved several steps, including reading the book "Motherless Daughters" and writing letters to her mother. These practices allowed her to process her grief and emotions. Celebrating her mother's birthday and talking openly about her mother with her son helped Sunny connect with her mother's memory and heal.

Advice for Teens and Adults

For teenagers who have lost a parent, Sunny advises seeking therapy and support. She stresses the importance of acknowledging and expressing emotions rather than suppressing them. For those around grieving teens, she recommends offering support without being condescending and encouraging open conversations about the deceased parent.

Final Thoughts

Sunny's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Her journey from a grieving teenager to a mindset and self-love coach showcases the power of healing and self-discovery. By sharing her story, Sunny hopes to inspire others to seek help, embrace their emotions, and find their path to healing.

Ready to dive deeper? Listen to the full episode of the MindShift Power Podcast with Fatima Bey The MindShifter here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217223/episodes/14077454