How Do You Help Children Deal With The Death Of A Close Loved One?
Coming to terms with death is painful and complicated—at best—for adults. It is even more trying for children, who don’t understand the permanence of death or know how to process the stress and pain of the loss. It is crucial that parents, caregivers, teachers and other loving adults teach children to grieve in healthy ways as they learn to accept and deal with the death of a close loved one. Be honest and direct when telling the child a loved one has died. Don’t use euphemisms for death—they will only confuse the child. Keep the conversation calm, comforting and as explicit as possible without overwhelming the child. Only answer what he or she asks, taking the child’s age and maturity into consideration. Ask the child what she or he knows about about death to discern the level of understanding. The child may grasp more or less than average, and shock may play a role in early reluctance to talk about it, so be patient. As time progresses, you can fill the knowledge gaps. Educate
