Death is a difficult subject for anyone, but when it affects the lives of children, parents and loved ones can find it hard to explain the event to them. Whether your child wants to know where someone goes after they die, or has questions about what to expect at a funeral home, navigating these topics can be tricky. Here are some tips that could help you discuss some of these questions with a little one.

How to Talk to Your Child About Someone’s Passing

Consider Their Age

For toddlers and young children who can’t yet grasp large concepts, you may want to discuss death with them in simple, concrete terms. They may already be familiar with the idea of death in nature, perhaps from seeing dead insects or flowers, so drawing comparisons can help them understand the event. Older children who can already comprehend death might benefit from a more factual or spiritual discussion, and could gain a sense of closure by accompanying you to the funeral service.

Be Open and Honest

Euphemisms such as “passed away” can be confusing for children, especially very young ones, so you may want to be gentle but direct about what has happened. If you’re bringing them along to the service or to plan the event, prepare them for what they might see at a funeral home and during the ceremony. They could get distressed by seeing grown-ups crying, so informing them ahead of time will prevent any surprises. If your child asks a question you don’t have an answer to, don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know.”

Allow Them to Express Their Feelings

Let your child know that a wide range of feelings, such as sadness, anger, and confusion, are all normal reactions to the death of a loved one, and encourage them to express those emotions. Fear is another common response to a passing, so be prepared to comfort your child if they tell you they’re afraid of losing more loved ones or of dying themselves. Some funeral homes offer grief support services to help you heal, so consider asking your child to join you so you can both work together through this tough time.

If you need help planning a ceremony or grief and healing services, trust Willow Funeral Home, LLC. As the only locally-owned and -operated funeral home in the Willow Springs, MO community, they’ve provided grief support, funeral and memorial services, and compassionate attention to loved ones for over 100 years. Visit their website for more information about what they do, or call (417) 469-3141 to schedule a consultation.