Helping Your Child Deal with the Death of a Loved One

Losing a loved one is difficult for everyone. Children can have an especially difficult time understanding death and adjusting to life without a certain loved one. As a parent, it’s your duty to explain that death is an important part of life, and that it’s normal to experience feelings of sadness after  losing a loved one .  Here are a few tips to help your child cope with a death in the family.  

Be Honest

Children are still learning about the world around them, and often struggle with the concept of death. Instead of telling your child that your loved one has “gone away,” you must make it clear that your loved one has died and will not be coming back.

Encourage Discussion

Your child will likely have a lot of questions, and you should do your best to answer them honestly. You should also encourage your child to open up about your loved one’s passing, and get his or her feelings out in the air. It might be painful at first, but it can help you both in the long run.  

Provide Some Space

While it’s important to talk to your child, you shouldn’t force the issue. If you sense that your child needs space, give him space. This is often true of teenagers, who are more likely to turn to their peers for support. If and when your child is ready to open up, let him know you’re there for him.

Seek Professional Help

If you’re having trouble understanding your child’s emotions, or if your own grief is overwhelming, you should consider taking your child to a mental health professional. You can also receive help online, in books, or in support groups.

Grieving is tough for everyone, yet we must all find a way to get through the hard times. Chapel of the Chimes is an Oakland funeral home that offers cremation services, funeral services, grief and healing support, and many other services. Call us at (510) 654-0123 to discuss funeral options for your loved one or to begin preplanning your own funeral.