Telling a Child About a Death

It is never easy to let anyone know about the death of a loved one but it can be even more complex when it is a child you have to tell. Children may not really understand what death is or they may not be able to truly comprehend what this means for them. If you are planning on having this conversation with your child because a loved one has died, there are some things to remember. Here are the tips that providers of cremation services in DeWitt, NY want you to consider.

The first thing that you want to do is speak with your child and be prepared to use clear language. Many parents think that using euphemisms like “passed away” can be helpful, but they can actually confuse children. You want to use clear terms that do not leave room for confusion. This may seem cruel or harsh, but it will help the child come to terms with the death sooner.

Children tend to have many questions about death, and it is important to allow them to ask about it. After you tell them about the death of a loved one, be sure to give them time to ask the questions they may have. You want to be as honest as possible with your answers, too, and you want to be sure that if you do not know the answer to one of their questions, you will assure them that you will do your best to find out for them.

You will also want to include the child in the funerary arrangements. Allow them to have input if they want to and let them know that they are welcome to attend the services that are planned. You do not want to force them to attend if they do not want to do so, however. This can end up causing more emotional harm.

You also want to let your child know that you are dealing with the loss, too. Like adults, children can feel isolated after a death, and they may not be sure if other people are dealing with that loss in the same way they are. By telling them that you are also struggling, you can be sure to help them deal with this in a healthier manner.

Letting your child know about the death of a loved one is always going to be a complex process that takes careful planning. You want to consider the most honest way of speaking of the death and you also want to encourage your child to ask any questions that they may have. If you want to know more about this, you can reach out to a DeWitt, NY cremation service provider like us. We are here to help you plan the conversation with your child and to assist you in making all of the necessary arrangements. Give us a call right now or stop by our location today to speak with an expert about this.