If understanding and accepting the death of a loved one is difficult for an adult, it can be overwhelming and bewildering for a child. However, there may come a time when you need to discuss the subject with your little one to prepare them for a funeral service. To help you navigate these difficult conversations, here’s a guide with some tips that can be useful.

How to Discuss Death With Your Child

Be Clear & Direct

It’s tempting to use metaphors and euphemisms to explain painful events to a child, but this can be even more confusing to them. For this reason, avoid language like “going to a better place.” So your little one understands what happened, explain death as a natural part of life and compare it to events in nature and movies they already know. Remind them that even if a person is no longer around, they can still talk about them, remember them, and visit them whenever they want.

Answer Their Questions

The child may become concerned that other people they know will die, such as parents, friends, pets, or even themselves. To appease their fears, you may want to explain the circumstances of your loved one’s death, such as illness or age. Take the time to answer any other questions they have and be honest yet compassionate.

Help Them Grieve

Grieving, which eventually leads to acceptance and peace, starts with expressing your emotions. To begin this process, tell the child it’s okay to feel sad and cry. Ask them to share what they are feeling, and offer comfort by being present. It often helps to share stories about the departed, which reminds a child that even if their loved one is gone, their memories linger.

Prepare Them for the Funeral Service

If you’re taking your child to the funeral service, they may see adults cry or appear sad. This can be frightening or confusing to them, so prepare them for what they might encounter at the memorial. This may include emotional speeches and caskets. Once they know what to expect, they won’t be surprised on the day, which will help them stay calm and comfortable during this difficult time.

Feldner-Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, has been serving Wood County and the surrounding cities since 1957. Their funeral services include cremation, burials, and pre-planning. No matter your needs, their compassionate staff will find an option that honors the life of your loved one. Find other grief resources on their website or call (715) 423-1414 to schedule a consultation.