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When a loved one passes away, no amount of years on the planet serve as adequate preparation. However, this life experience is especially challenging for children. If you’re anxious about how your child will process the news, use the following guide to help them through their grieving.

3 Ways to Help a Child Process a Death in the Family

1. Talk About Your Feelings

If it’s your child first time dealing with the death of someone they were close to, they may not know how to recognize their own emotions, much less express them to you. To lead them to a healthy acknowledgment of their feelings, put yours out in the open. By letting your child know what you’re feeling, in clear, simple terms, such as “I’m feeling very sad about Grandma,” your child will be more likely to examine their perception of the event. In time, they may share it with you.

2. Tell Them What to Expect

grievingOnce they’ve come to terms with the concept of death, your child might be thinking, “what now?” Give them the reassurance they need by explaining what will happen in the coming weeks or months. For example, describe the funeral process, including when and where it will be, and what will happen during the service. If the child is moving or transitioning to a new guardian, be open and honest about what the future holds. That way, your child will mentally prepare for the transition.

3. Give Them a Purpose

If your child is upset about the passing of a family member, help them ease into the grieving process by giving them something to do. While you want them to acknowledge the situation, you don’t want them to wallow in the present, and action will help occupy their busy mind. For example, ask them to pick out their favorite photos of their late family member, or write a poem about their relationship to read at the funeral. When grieving, having a purpose is a substantial comfort to people of all ages.

 

If you need to plan a funeral for a loved one, let E.C. Nurre Funeral Home step in. This compassionate team will take care of your practical concerns while being respectful of your grieving process, ensuring you give your loved one the funeral service they deserve. They have been helping families in Amelia, OH, plan funerals for over 140 years. To learn more about their services, visit the website, or call (513) 753-6130 today. 

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