Dealing with death is difficult for every family. But, children can have an even tougher time coping because they might not fully understand what’s happening. In addition to managing your own grief and planning a funeral, talk to your child about death as gently as possible.

4 Ways to Discuss Death With a Child

1. Tell Your Child the News Right Away

Talking about death with a child can be difficult to initiate. However, you shouldn’t put off breaking the news to your little one. To begin, be simple and direct when talking to your child. Tell them that their loved one has passed away, describe how you feel about that, and ask them what they would like to know. The goal is to hold a conversation where your child feels comfortable asking questions.

2. Encourage Your Child to Express Their Feelings

After someone dies, it’s painful to keep emotions bottled up inside. That’s why you should encourage your child to share what they’re feeling. Also, don’t be afraid to express your own emotions. If you tell your child what you’re thinking and feeling, they will feel more comfortable sharing their emotions.

3. Help Your Child Remember the Person

Don’t be afraid to talk about the deceased. Learning about death can be scary for some children, so focus on positive memories of your loved one. Share happy memories about them with your child and encourage them to share their own stories or draw pictures of them. 

4. Talk to Your Child About the Funeral

Before you take your child to the funeral, explain what they should expect ahead of time. For example, you might say that lots of family members and friends will be at the funeral to remember your loved one. People may cry and say things like, “I’m sorry for your loss.” If there is a burial afterward, explain the process to your child.

If you have to plan a funeral, turn to the professionals at Northcutt & Son Home For Funerals Inc. in Morehead, KY. The funeral home treats all of their customers with respect and empathy and helps them create a beautiful service that honors their loved one. They also provide a variety of monuments and headstones, including individual monuments and flat markers that suit everyone’s budgets. For more information about their funeral services, call (606)-784-6491 or visit their website.