Speaking to children about Death…

Parents typically would do all in their power to safeguard their children from difficult circumstances. Some may even bubble wrap them if they could, but death is one thing none of us can be shielded from; we simply have to try to prepare our hearts and minds for the eventuality. It is important therefore that parents are able to comfortably speak to their children about death. Death occurs in many ways. It may be sudden, expected, prolonged or accidental.

Part of the experience is finding ways to express what’s happened, to make sense of what’s happened, and finally, to accept what’s happened.

Parent must be aware that children process death much different to adults, and it is important for parents to understand what to expect. According to the Child Development theory, there are different stages children go through when starting to learn about and understand what death is — depending on their age:

• Preschool children

Children aged 3 to 5 mostly see death as temporary, reversible, and impersonal. In stories they read or watch, characters that seem to die will often rise up again. It’s appropriate for their age level to think this way.

• Between the ages of 5 and 9

At this age, most children begin to see that all living things eventually die and that death is final. But they tend to not relate it to themselves or consider the idea that they can escape it. They may associate images like skeletons with death. Some children may have nightmares about such images.

• From 9 through to adolescence

Older children begin to understand fully that death is irreversible and that they too will die someday.

The following are some tips to help parents talk about death with their child:
Do’s:

• Tell the truth about what happened right away. The truth gives an explanation for your tears and pain. Being open and emotional can help your child learn how to mourn.

• Be prepared for a variety of emotional responses. Realize that however you approach this subject, your child will be upset, and perhaps, even angry at the loss. Accept your child’s emotional reactions. You will have time to address things again after your child’s had time to process the initial trauma.

• Make sure to use the words dead or died. Many find using the words dead or died uncomfortable – and prefer using phrases like, passed away, lost, crossed over, went to sleep – but research shows that using realistic words to describe death helps the grieving process.

• Share information in doses. Gauge what your child can handle by giving information in small bits at a time. You’ll know what more to do depending on the questions your child asks.

• Be comfortable saying, “I don’t know.” Having all the answers is never easy, especially during a time of such heartache. It’s helpful to tell your child that you may not know about certain things, like, “How did grandpa die?”

“What happens to Auntie at the funeral home,” “What made Rambo (pet dog) run into the street, Mommy?” or other unanswerable questions.

• Cry. Cry together. Cry often. It’s healthy and healing.

• Allow your child to participate in burial rituals. Let children pick clothing for your loved one, photos for the memorial, a song or scripture reading. This will help them gain a sense of control of the traumatic loss.

• Let your child grieve in his or her own way. Allow your child to be silent about the death. It’s also natural for a child to feel lonely and isolate themselves at this time too. It’s also common for children to seem unaffected by the loss. There is no right way to grieve.

• Prepare your child for what they will see in the funeral home or service. Tell children what they will see, who will be there, how people may be feeling and what they will be doing. For young children, be specific in your descriptions of what the surroundings will look like. For example, describe the casket and clothes and that the body will be posed. Or if it’s a memorial service, talk about where the body is, if it’s been cremated, in a closed coffin or already buried. Bring along someone to care for the child if you are distraught.

• Prepare your child for the future without your loved one. Talk about how it will feel to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and special moments without your loved one. Ask your child to help plan how to move through the next calendar event.

• Prepare to talk about thoughts and feelings often. It is likely that you’ll have to tend to the subject of death for days, weeks and months to come. Check in and be available for ongoing discussions since mourning is a process.

Remember to take care of yourself. As parents, you sometimes forget about taking care of yourselves during such difficult times. Children learn what they see, so be a role model for self-care at this critical time.
Don’ts:

• Don’t hide your grief from your child. Seeing you grieve during and long after your loved ones death will let child know that it’s normal and healthy to cry and feel sad after significant loss.

• Don’t be afraid to share memories of your loved one. Sometimes parents feel afraid to talk about the person who has died, thinking it will cause pain to others. Research shows that the pain of re-living memories or sharing stories actually aids in healing and closure.

• Don’t avoid connecting with your child because you feel helpless or uncomfortable, or don’t know what to say. Sometimes a knowing look can be a powerful connection. Even a touch or a hug can offer great comfort.

• Don’t change the subject when your child comes into the room. Doing so places a mark of taboo on the subject of death. Instead, adjust your wording and level of information when a child is present.

• Don’t change your daily routine. Children need consistency. Try as much as possible to keep your usual daily routines at home and at work. Also, try to ensure that your child continues to take part in their usual activities like school and social events.

• Don’t think that death puts a ban on laughter. Laughter is a great healing tool. Being about to laugh about memories or moments with your loved one signals just how important their presence was in your life.

• Don’t put a time limit on your child’s bereavement – or your own. Everyone grieves in their own way.

Recognize that a new normal will have to occur – and that time is needed to readjust to a significant death. If you need additional support, seek help from a trusted family member, Pastor or friend. Professional help with a mental health counselor trained in bereavement can be sought as well.