Death is visible everywhere around us. Dying plants, insects and animals all remind us of the sad reality that death is inevitable. However, when it comes to losing a close friend or a loved one, the reality usually hits differently. It becomes even more difficult to explain death to a child, especially if it involves losing a close family member.
Parenting during a grieving period can be challenging. That is why it is critical to address such topics in a gentle and simple way for kids to understand. Allowing them to feel the loss is a step towards a healthy recovery.
Getting personalized items for the funeral will help kids with the reality of the loss of a loved one. Engraved urns are a great start to helping kids deal with the reality of the situation. This article will discuss what to teach your children if there has been a death in the family.
Honest and Concrete
Parents tend to water down facts to escape explaining harsh realities to their children. Statements like that he has gone on a very long journey or sleeping give the children false hopes and obscure them from grasping the nature of death. It is advised to be factual and clear by letting them know the truth, like how the dead no longer breathe, eat, talk, etc.
Handling the Funeral
Grieving has no manual, and people do so differently. Depending on their age, children will have varying understanding of death and will react differently to the loss of loved ones. Never force the children to participate in the burial plans if they wish not to.
However, let the children know that people can freely choose how to handle their dead. Some will opt for cremation, while others will go for burial.
It Is Okay to Mourn
Expressing emotions of grief before the children is the best way to send a message to them. This lets them learn that death brings pain and sadness to those around them. Crying before the children gives the impression that death takes away the things we love, never to return.
Hence giving the lesson that it is okay to express deep emotions that hurt us. Real life experienced of a parent to
They are not Alone
Each family member plays a different role and holds an integral part in a child’s life. When death visits one of them, the child is left concerned and fearing who will fill the gap. Just let the child know that they are not left alone. The surety that someone will always be there for them and take care of them can be a great lesson.
Take Things Slow
Children are always curious and ask a lot of questions. When responding, give short, clear answers and avoid pouring out all the facts at once. It’s because they forget quickly and grasp things slowly. Let them learn the art of patience by how you treat them.
Keep Hope Alive
It would be best to teach your children the importance of accepting reality and letting go. After the grieving phase, life has to move on eventually. You have to help them understand there is something death cannot take away from us. The memories we have with the deceased.
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