Tips to Acknowledge Children About Death and Dying

We as adults know that there is an afterlife and death is real. But a child may not know about deaths and dying. That’s why when they see someone dying; they don’t know how to react and what to expect. They cling to their parents when such a situation arises. That’s why it’s important that you acknowledge children about death and dying. Children behave differently than others. That’s why they need love and care. Hearing about someone’s death will not be easy for a child. They cope with death and grief a lot differently than elders. They may not know how to show and express their feelings. And whenever someone closed to them dies, they need a lot of love and care from their elders.

Here are a few things you should do to help your child pass through this hard phase of life.

Simple and clear words

Use some simple and clear words to give your child the sad news about someone’s death. If your child was close to the deceased, then after delivering the news to them, pause for a while to give them the time to take in your words. If you want to know more about simple and clear words you can buy easy parenting book.

Always listen and be comforting

Children react differently when hearing news about death and dying. Some children will cry and create a panic situation, others may ask several questions, and some kids don’t react at all. They stay silent, just taking in the news. You don’t have to worry about that. Just always stay with them. If they are crying, comfort them and if they ask questions, tell them the truth, tell them about death and dying that everyone has to leave this world at some time. And when not reacting at all, just be there with them so that if they all of a sudden start crying, you will be there to help them.

Let them speak their heart

Children hesitate when expressing their feelings, so let your children speak their emotions; what they are feeling is very important. Talk to them about your emotions as well. This will help them open up. Once they know whatever they are feeling, you are feeling it too; then they will talk to you about their emotions. They will be comfortable in your company and will know there’s nothing wrong with feeling those feelings.

Tell them what to expect

If a loved one of yours has died and there are some changes in your and your child’s routine, then tell them so that they don’t worry about it. A child may fear sudden changes due to a loved one’s death, and that will disturb them, so tell them beforehand. They will be uncomfortable with it, but then they will get used to it.

Funerals and rituals

Children will behave a different way when the day of the funeral will arrive. They won’t know what’s happening and why so many people are gathering together or why everyone is wearing black, or why people are hugging and crying. Tell them what a ritual is; the funerals, viewings, and memorial services. Tell them about the burial and how a person is laid into a coffin or casket and then buried in the ground, and how their souls depart from this world to the afterlife. Also, include what will happen after the burial. Tell them how everyone will gather together for lunch, and everyone will share happy memories of the deceased.

Let them play a role

You can involve your child in the funeral services. You can ask them if they want to say a few words about the deceased or want to help gather photos to show people. But always ask your kid before just implementing the task onto them. By asking, you will know how your child is feeling, and you will know how to treat them.

Help them remember

Even if a few weeks have gone by, try to make them remember the deceased. Share good memories you have of them with your children and also let them share some. This way, they will always remember that person, and the more you share happy memories, the more your child will move on and come back to positive feelings.

These were a few ways to acknowledge your children with death and dying. Just remember to always be there for them whenever they need you.

Author’s Bio: Besides being an avid reader, Dr. Regina Johnson is an Indie Author, a publishing house CEO — EOJ Publisher, a Naval Officer, and a public speaker. A part-time author and a mother to beautiful Orlanda, she recently ventured her book store in 2020. She may have a lot on her plate, but reading to her daughter every night is what she loves the most!