When someone passes, their family and friends gather at a funeral to grieve together and celebrate the life of the deceased. Adults know what they should do and what to expect, but kids are often unsure of the process. You can help your kids better understand death with these tips from Bolton & Lunsford Funeral Homes in Cincinnati, OH. Their compassionate team of funeral directors will provide respectful, caring assistance during your difficult time and have more than 90 years of experience with catering to the needs of grieving families.

Helping Children Deal With Death

Use Clear Language

It’s important to consider your words when talking to a child about a loved one passing. Tell the truth and use phrases like, “Grandma passed away.” Avoid saying things like “She’s gone away for a while,” as this can mislead children into thinking their loved one has gone on vacation. One study notes that using the words, “dead” and “died” help children grieve better than using euphemisms that could be confusing. You can decide what words to use based on your child’s age and mental development.

Talk Over the Funeral & Memorial

Once you’ve explained that someone passed away, it’s beneficial to prepare kids for what they’ll experience at a funeral or memorial service. Tell them the order of the ceremony and who will attend. Offer opportunities for your kids to take a break if they need to step out of the funeral for a moment. If necessary, have a babysitter or other family member help with them, so you can stay for the entire ceremony.

Explain That Grief Looks Different for Everyone

Your kids may wonder why their loved ones are crying, but they don’t feel the urge to shed a tear. Not everyone grieves the same way. Some people need to laugh and remember their loved one positively, while others will cry and shout. Let your little ones know that it’s fine to feel the way they do because people process death differently.

Your children will benefit from hearing about a loved one’s passing in clear, plain language and knowing about the funeral process ahead of time. Teach them that people grieve in different ways and it’s acceptable to cry, laugh, or be still. For additional advice on helping children cope with grief, call Bolton & Lunsford Funeral Homes at (513) 661-4059. Visit their website for information on their variety of funeral and memorial services. They also provide funeral pre-planning and can help with arrangements from burial and cremation to assessing financial needs and creating personalized tributes.