How Do You Help Children Cope With Fathers Cancer & Death?
Dealing with the possibility that a person’s cancer may ultimately result in death is never easy to grasp or realize for any person, especially children. Even though you may have prepared yourself to answer your children’s questions about their father’s death, dealing with the issue head on is often more difficult than it seems. Be as clear as possible when talking about the death of their father or the possibility that he might die soon. Since young children usually have a literal view of the world (especially before age 6), it would be best to avoid cliches such as “passed away” or went to a “better place” as many children won’t be able to understand what that means right away. Answer all the questions you get honestly and with care. Even if you think a child’s question may be too difficult, don’t over-think or over-analyze the answer that you give. For example, children will be wondering why their father is laying in bed much of the time or sick all the time, but giving your childre
