How Do You Explain A Close Relatives Death To A Child?
Dealing with the death of a relative can be quite saddening, especially if your child was particularly close to the individual. But explaining the process of death to your child in age-appropriate terms can help him come to understand what death is, and how it happens. In addition, an explanation can teach your child how to effectively handle grief and responsibly express his feelings about death. If the relative is still alive but has a terminal illness, begin to explain the process of death to your child. Encourage her to spend time with the relative if possible. Use age-appropriate terms to describe the condition that will cause or has caused the relative to die. If your child’s grandfather has lung cancer, you may want to say something like, “Your grandfather has lung cancer. A tumor, or mass of bad cells, was found in his lung. Doctors have given him six months to a year to live.” Answer any questions the child might have. Let your child take part in any mourning rituals that your
