Talking to Children about Death
How each person reacts to death is shaped by
his or her life experiences. For a child, past
losses may have been minor, but the events may
have caused sadness, pain, and other feelings.
Losing a favorite toy or the death of a pet may
shape how a child learns about loss.
Each child is different, and how you express
your thoughts to a child will vary. Children
need to hear your thoughts about death and an
afterlife. There are some things to keep in mind
when helping children to cope with death:
■ Listen to what your child is asking or telling
you. You may learn about his or her fears and
concerns.
■ Be gently direct and honest. Talk with
your child in language he or she can easily
understand.
■ Share your feelings and encourage your child
to share his or her feelings. It’s okay to cry
in front of a child and let him or her comfort
you.
■ Know that there are no magic words to say,
but it is important not to say something that
you have to take back later.
■ Offer love, comfort, and special time together.
It is the sharing and caring with your child
that matters. This will help a child understand
his or her feelings of grief and loss.
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