How to Talk About Death

Posted on December 17, 2018 by McVeigh Funeral Home, Inc. under funeral home
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Albany, NY funeral homes

One of the most difficult conversations to have is about death. If there is an imminent death in the family or if there has recently been one already, the best thing to do is to speak about it. This can be especially important if there are children in the household, since they can be confused about it and they can have many questions. But how do you have this kind of conversation? Albany, NY funeral homes have suggestions that can make this talk just a bit easier.   

The first thing to understand is that most people have an aversion and a fear of talking about death. It is ingrained, which is why it can be so tough to get people to talk about someone who is mortally ill. By knowing that this is the normal attitude toward death, you can start by speaking to that discomfort. Once everyone accepts that being uncomfortable with the topic is fine, then it will actually start becoming more comfortable to speak about.   

If you are speaking with a child, the best thing you can do is allow them to ask questions. Children who are facing the loss of someone for the first time are bound to have lots of questions and they will be curious about the process. By encouraging them to ask anything they need to, you will be making the experience a more positive one. Most people think that they are protecting a child by not speaking about death, but that is not the case. In the long run, you will be doing more harm than good. Be sure that if you do not know the answer to something, you actually tell them that you do not know.  

Another very important thing to consider is that you never want to push or force anyone into speaking about death if they do not want to. This is a common mistake that can do more harm. If your child does not want to engage in the topic, allow them to come to terms with the death on their own. When they begin to have questions, they will be sure to come to you for answers, but by forcing them to speak about it, you will be causing emotional damage.   

Talking about death does not have to be as difficult as it appears. It does take tact and patience, so it is not something that you want to tackle when you are in a hurry or when you are stressed. With children, you want to give them the space they need to ask questions and you want to be honest in your answers. Many people think that by lying they can protect their child, but this is not the case. Funeral homes in Albany, NY are always more than happy to assist with guidance. If you need to have this conversation, contact a funeral home like McVeigh Funeral Home, Inc. You can visit them at 208 N Allen St Albany, NY 12206 or call (518) 489-0188 now.

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