Finding out the right way to talk about death with children can be challenging. This sensitive topic must be approached carefully, so the youngest members of your family understand what happens when someone close to them has passed away. For many families, this includes discussing cremation arrangements. The staff at Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home provides Ranson, WV, families with assistance and support when planning a funeral or memorial service. They understand children’s unique needs when it comes to understanding the grieving process. 

Below, they offer a few tips for talking to children about cremation arrangements:

• Use the Right Words: When talking about cremation, it’s essential to choose your words cautiously. Certain terms sound frightening and can cause a child undue distress. Let them know that cremation is peaceful and doesn’t inflict any pain on the deceased.
• Keep Explanations Simple & Age-Appropriate: Honesty is important, but you should also keep your child’s age in mind. Simple explanations of cremation arrangements are often the most effective, especially when the language is easy for kids to understand based on their age and maturity level. If they want more information, they will most likely ask.
• Clarify the Use of an Urn: If you plan to keep your loved one’s remains in an urn, it may help to show the container to a child and talk about its contents. It’s in their nature to be curious, and discovering an urn without understanding what it is can be an unpleasant surprise.
• Validate Their Feelings & Answer Questions: Make sure your child knows it’s acceptable and normal to have a mix of emotions while mourning the loss of a loved one. Avoid pushing them to talk about their feelings, and let them know you are available to answer their questions about death or the cremation process when they are ready to ask.

While some children need time to understand everything they’ve been told about a loved one’s cremation arrangements, discussing the topic helps them process their emotions and find comfort. If you find it’s too difficult to explain, it may be a good idea to seek advice from a counselor. Contact Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home at (304) 725-7068, or visit them online for additional resources on coping with bereavement.