Speaking About Death to a Child

Taking the time to speak to a child about a death that has happened can be an important thing to do. They will be confused and they are likely to have lots of questions, so it is vital that you plan how to let them know of the death. To be able to have a conversation that is healthy and that can help the child, here are some suggestions that directors of funeral homes in Loudonville, NY want you to keep in mind.

It is important to be honest. You need to let the child know the truth about the death and not to try to soften it by using euphemisms. This can end up confusing the child and making it more difficult for them to understand what happened and then come to terms with it. You need to use simple language that gets to the point so that they get from the start what has occurred.

You also need to allow your child ask questions about the death. This is something that many people forget to do, but it can be crucial. Your child is bound to have questions about the death and you want to be honest with them when it comes to this, too. If you do not know the answer to something, you want to be sure to tell them that is the case, as well. You can also let them know that you will do your best to find the answer.

Another thing that you want to keep in mind is that it can be helpful to let your child choose whether or not they want to be involved in the services that are planned. You need to ask them. If they do not want to go, never forced them, since that can do more harm than good.

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.

Take the time to consider all of these things when letting your child know about a death. You need to be honest with your child and you need to remember that they will have lots of questions that you will need to answer as best you can. By showing your child that you are also dealing with the grief, you can make them feel less alone and you can help them heal. If you still have questions about the process of telling a child about a death, you can reach out to a Loudonville, NY funeral home like us at McVeigh Funeral Home, Inc. Our team is here to ensure that you get the help you need after a death. You can give us a call right now or you can schedule a visit today.