What Are Some of the Ways You Can Teach Children About Death?
April 10, 2023
Many children are aware of the existence of death, but do not really understand what it is. It takes an adult to explain what causes it and how to handle it.

Children may have heard about death in stories they read or hear from their friends, or from the cartoons and movies they watch. However, for them to individually contemplate the meaning of death becomes challenging. Death may not be an easy topic to discuss with your kids, but experts from
Oak cremation services, Grove, MO
, suggest it is the best step to take.
After a loss, you must discuss death as a normal conversation with your children. This is especially beneficial to your younger children because they become confused about the incident. Teaching your children about death even before it occurs armors them with the tools they need to overcome it once it occurs.
Here are ways you can enlighten your children about death.
Help your child understand and familiarize themselves with life functions such as eating, bathing, and sleeping. Explain to them that immediately after death, the deceased can no longer perform any of those functions.
If your child understands life, they can realize that death is not a result of something you failed to do. They also get to know that a dead person does not experience feelings of sadness or anger.
In an attempt to educate your child about death, it might tempt you to lie to them that the deceased is resting and will wake up later. Delivering the message of the finality of death to a child can be traumatizing, but is the boldest step to take. Imagine making a child wait for what isn’t coming, devastating, right?
The death of a loved one stirs a lot of questions in an adult’s mind, think of what your child may go through during this time. Instead of generally trying to explain death to them, it is best you first answer all their questions without avoiding any. Use very simple and clear language that they can easily digest. If need be, you can refer to cartoons or movies they love watching.
It may be overwhelming for you as the parent to help educate your child about death, especially if you are also mourning. Go to a grief therapist and seek assistance. If done early, it can help boost your child’s mental health.
Maintaining your daily routine helps children understand that death is an everyday occurrence and life just usually continues. However, don’t restrain them from mourning in their way. If they are school-going children, try to explain that it is okay to attend school even during the grieving process.
Explaining death to a child will depend on several factors, such as age. Being direct about the topic, answering questions honestly, and learning from them what they know about death all help parents and caregivers to ensure their children get comfortable in the case of a death. A certified grief counselor from Oak Cremation Services , Grove, MO, can help reduce the burden of explaining death to your child. For more information about our services or if you need help, you can contact us today.
After a loss, you must discuss death as a normal conversation with your children. This is especially beneficial to your younger children because they become confused about the incident. Teaching your children about death even before it occurs armors them with the tools they need to overcome it once it occurs.
Here are ways you can enlighten your children about death.
First, Teach Them About Life
Help your child understand and familiarize themselves with life functions such as eating, bathing, and sleeping. Explain to them that immediately after death, the deceased can no longer perform any of those functions.
If your child understands life, they can realize that death is not a result of something you failed to do. They also get to know that a dead person does not experience feelings of sadness or anger.
Be Honest in Your Talk
In an attempt to educate your child about death, it might tempt you to lie to them that the deceased is resting and will wake up later. Delivering the message of the finality of death to a child can be traumatizing, but is the boldest step to take. Imagine making a child wait for what isn’t coming, devastating, right?
Answer All Their Questions
The death of a loved one stirs a lot of questions in an adult’s mind, think of what your child may go through during this time. Instead of generally trying to explain death to them, it is best you first answer all their questions without avoiding any. Use very simple and clear language that they can easily digest. If need be, you can refer to cartoons or movies they love watching.
Talk to a Professional
It may be overwhelming for you as the parent to help educate your child about death, especially if you are also mourning. Go to a grief therapist and seek assistance. If done early, it can help boost your child’s mental health.
Stick To Your Routine
Maintaining your daily routine helps children understand that death is an everyday occurrence and life just usually continues. However, don’t restrain them from mourning in their way. If they are school-going children, try to explain that it is okay to attend school even during the grieving process.
Conclusion
Explaining death to a child will depend on several factors, such as age. Being direct about the topic, answering questions honestly, and learning from them what they know about death all help parents and caregivers to ensure their children get comfortable in the case of a death. A certified grief counselor from Oak Cremation Services , Grove, MO, can help reduce the burden of explaining death to your child. For more information about our services or if you need help, you can contact us today.