How Do You Tell a Child Someone Has Died?
April 17, 2023
The death of a loved one can bring pain and sadness to an adult, but for a child, it can seem confusing. How you approach them on the matter is very crucial.
Children will not all react the same to death. Depending on their age and past experiences, they will behave differently. Smaller children who do not understand the concept of death will expect their loved ones to wake up later, while adolescents clearly understand that death is irreversible, hence a difference in their reactions. With a little help from
Grain Valley funeral homes, MO
, you can get advice on breaking the heartbreaking message of death to their children.
It is very important to break the news as soon as it happens so that they do not get to learn of it from other people. Check out some of the ways you make your child aware of death. 
Call your child and let them know you have some sad news for them. Mention the name of the deceased to them and observe their reaction. Give them time to accept the sad news and understand their behaviour henceforth.
With children, it is advisable to use clear and direct language. Avoid words such as passed away, or rest in peace. They can lead to further confusion. Be honest in your talk and give complete information because the lack of it makes children think of all sorts of evil things about death. This should not be the case.
This is especially important for younger children who do not clearly understand death. “Grandpa died” is enough for a toddler to manage. But as they grow older, they may need more information on this. You can explain what “died” means and what the causes are.
Think about the best place you want to break the news. A quiet and calm place away from distractions. You can walk in the park or sit somewhere with a view. Do not talk in an enclosed area like the child’s bedroom. Let it be in an open space, and do not forget to carry items such as toys and dolls for your child. They can be of help as they grieve.
Children need to know the truth. Do not lie to them so that you avoid answering their questions. Once they find out you lied, the bond you had may break. Start by stating a few facts, then ask questions to see if they understand. If you give out all information at once, maintaining honesty can be much of a task since you may get ambushed by questions you did not expect.
Children, no matter how young, will always feel a change in their environment once death strikes. They will need an explanation of what is going on around them. Talking to them builds trust between you and helps them understand the situation. If you are a parent or caregiver and lack the right approach to make your child aware of the death of a loved one, contact Grain Valley funeral homes , MO, for assistance. Contact us today if you need help or would like to get more information about our services .
It is very important to break the news as soon as it happens so that they do not get to learn of it from other people. Check out some of the ways you make your child aware of death. 
Prepare Your Child for the Bad News
Call your child and let them know you have some sad news for them. Mention the name of the deceased to them and observe their reaction. Give them time to accept the sad news and understand their behaviour henceforth.
Use Clear Language While Breaking the News
With children, it is advisable to use clear and direct language. Avoid words such as passed away, or rest in peace. They can lead to further confusion. Be honest in your talk and give complete information because the lack of it makes children think of all sorts of evil things about death. This should not be the case.
Give Out Information in Bits
This is especially important for younger children who do not clearly understand death. “Grandpa died” is enough for a toddler to manage. But as they grow older, they may need more information on this. You can explain what “died” means and what the causes are.
Choose a Location
Think about the best place you want to break the news. A quiet and calm place away from distractions. You can walk in the park or sit somewhere with a view. Do not talk in an enclosed area like the child’s bedroom. Let it be in an open space, and do not forget to carry items such as toys and dolls for your child. They can be of help as they grieve.
Honesty Is the Best Policy
Children need to know the truth. Do not lie to them so that you avoid answering their questions. Once they find out you lied, the bond you had may break. Start by stating a few facts, then ask questions to see if they understand. If you give out all information at once, maintaining honesty can be much of a task since you may get ambushed by questions you did not expect.
Conclusion
Children, no matter how young, will always feel a change in their environment once death strikes. They will need an explanation of what is going on around them. Talking to them builds trust between you and helps them understand the situation. If you are a parent or caregiver and lack the right approach to make your child aware of the death of a loved one, contact Grain Valley funeral homes , MO, for assistance. Contact us today if you need help or would like to get more information about our services .
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