4 Tips for Helping Children Understand Loss
Though loss can be a painful experience for adults, it can be even more so for children. Younger kids may not grasp the permanence of death, and older children may not understand how to deal with the flood of emotions at a funeral service. Here’s how you can help your child grieve after losing a loved one.
Ways to Talk to Children About a Funeral
Speak Truthfully
Though the concept of death can be difficult for young children to understand, try to answer your kid’s questions as truthfully as you can. Provide necessary details in a simple, honest way to prevent informational and emotional overload.
Allow Them to Grieve
Crying, anger, shock, and fear are all common reactions to the loss of a loved one; let children know those feelings are natural. Have a support system available to give lots of hugs, listen to their concerns, and offer reassurance. Additionally, encourage them to express their grief instead of keeping it bottled up.
Explain the Funeral Arrangements
Use appropriate terminology when discussing a funeral, so words like cremation and caskets aren’t scary. Older kids may have more process-oriented questions about the arrangements — explain it truthfully. If there will be a viewing or open casket, clarify this to children beforehand to prepare them.
Ask Them to Participate
W
hether children attend the funeral services or not, allowing them some form of participation can help them heal. A funeral or memorial service helps provide a sense of closure to many people. If they’re old enough to attend, ask them if they want to share a favorite memory or read a passage. If the child is too young or declines to participate, invite them to write your loved one a letter, draw them a picture, or choose a small token of remembrance to send with you.
Northcutt & Son Home For Funerals in Morehead, KY, provides reassurance and care to grieving family members of all ages. Residents of Rowan, Morgan, and Bath counties have relied on their kindness and experience since 1976. To visit with a compassionate member of their staff about funeral arrangements, call (606) 784-6491. You can also visit their website for additional resources to help you cope with grief.
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