How to Talk to Children About Death and Dying

Many of us parents hesitate talking to our children about death and dying. Death is an unavoidable fact of life. It is hard for many adults to deal with so it is understandable that children would have an even more difficult time understanding it. Many children have major misconceptions about death and may even have been led to believe something other than the truth. Adults need to provide the truth with understanding and comfort.

Talking about death to children needs to be age appropriate. Telling a very young child too much or telling an older child not enough will cause other issues. When talking about death, try to incorporate your own religious beliefs and feelings. That may make it a little easier for the child to grasp what you are saying. Using examples of pets or even bugs outside that they may have stepped on can be helpful. It is a little easier to get a child to understand death if they have had a pet die in the past. Buying a goldfish is usually a helpful step. They tend to not live too long. Children understand better when they can relate their own experiences to the situation.

Children are aware of death long before we think. They watch cartoons and other television shows that often portrays death as something less important or tragic. Many children have also seen dead animals outside on the road or possibly dead bugs in the house. They realize more than we give them credit for in many situations.

Talking about death is the best way to get a child to feel comfortable with it. Keeping the lines of communication is vital, regardless of the age of the child. Talking about death should be honest and open. Lying is not a good idea in any situation. If a child is allowed to be open with the way that they are feeling, that helps them to understand and deal with it better. Being sensitive to the situation is very important. Do not put off questions if at all possible. Make answers age appropriate so that they totally understand what you are saying.