The passing of a loved one can be an incredibly sad and confusing time. It can be especially challenging if young children are part of the grieving process. At Arndt Funeral Home in Rochester, NY, they specialize in offering compassionate funeral services. They often help clients work through the tough questions surrounding death that children may ask.

Here are three helpful guidelines for discussing the complicated issue of why death happens to children from Rochester’s leading funeral home:

• Embrace Honesty: While it may be very difficult for a young child to understand and process the concept of death, it’s important to embrace honesty and walk them through what is happening in simple terms. Make sure your child is not frightened of death, and they understand it’s a natural part of life.
• Avoid Fairy Tales: Every parent wants to do their absolute best to love and protect their child. While it may seem best to sugar coat a loved one’s passing, try to avoid intricate fairy tales. For example, saying your grandfather went for a long nap may be confusing as the follow-up question may be a request to simply wake him up. If you have religious beliefs in regards to the next life or one’s passing, this is an opportunity to discuss those beliefs with your child.
• Allow Your Child To Explore Grief: Children also need the opportunity to grieve a loved one’s passing. Let your youngster explore their grief with you. Whether it’s crying or drawing pictures in tribute to their loved one, make sure they are expressing their sadness in healthy ways. If your child’s grief seems overly intense, consult a therapist or grief counselor to ensure they’re on the right track to healing.

If you’re looking for a compassionate, caring funeral home in the greater Rochester, NY, area, call Arndt Funeral Home today at (585) 225-6350 to speak with a helpful member of their team about funeral services. For more information on memorial services and funeral pre-planning, don’t hesitate to visit their website.