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Talking to anyone about the death of a loved one is a difficult situation, but it’s always important to lead with sensitivity and patience. When it comes to breaking the news to children, there are even more factors to consider. Especially if you’ve never discussed death with a child before, it can be a hard conversation to navigate, and you need to handle it with extreme care. Today, the compassionate funeral directors from Leo M. Bean And Sons Funeral Home in Rochester, NY, will explain how to breach this emotional subject with younger children.

It’s hard enough to know what to say to your adult friends or family members when they lose a loved one — so what are you supposed to say to an innocent child? On top of their existing grief, many parents may experience stress and anxiety about addressing the topic. This may lead some to avoid or prolong the discussion; after all, no parent like seeing their children upset. However, it’s vital that you talk to your child as soon as possible. Children are very observant and intuitive, and if something is wrong, they will sense it. Being honest with them will help them feel more secure in their relationship with you. It will also help them learn and grow emotionally.

funeral directorsRegardless of age, most children will have preconceived notions about death prior to your conversation. It’s important that you clear up any confusion. It may be helpful to discuss death in simple terms. It may feel harsh, but it’s important for your child to understand the reality and permanence of the situation. Tell your child you’re sad too, and that it’s okay to feel sad, but this is part of life. Invite your child to ask questions or express any thoughts or concerns. Bring them along to the funeral or memorial service and teach your child that it’s okay to grieve.

Losing a loved one is never easy, but the compassionate funeral directors from Leo M. Bean And Sons Funeral Home hope to lift some of that burden. To learn more about how these funeral directors will help you and your loved ones honor a beautiful life, call today at (585) 426-7830. You can also visit the funeral home’s website for more information.

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