Losing a person you love is not easy for anyone, but it’s especially difficult for children. That’s why adults need to take the proper steps when it comes to managing a child’s grief, both in terms of the funeral as well as on a day-to-day basis. 

How Adults Can Help Children Process Their Grief

1. Explain the Loss Carefully

While the exact language usually depends on the child’s age, be honest when talking about death with kids. Avoid euphemisms, such as explaining a person “went to sleep,” as this is bound to cause anxiety when it’s their bedtime. Instead, use age-appropriate language to communicate the person experienced a medical event that led to their death. 

2. Provide a Chance to Say Goodbye

Only you can determine whether a child is mature enough to attend a funeral. Keep in mind that very small kids might not sit still when attending a funeral, which can lead to misbehavior and acting out. If you think this will be the case, invite the child to say goodbye in other ways. Drawing a picture, making a card, or creating a memory book are all constructive outlets for a child’s grief. 

3. Help the Child Accept Their Feelings

Along with sadness, kids may also experience confusion, anger, guilt, and shame after a death. Make sure your child understands that this influx of emotions is completely natural and part of the grieving process. Give the child plenty of opportunities to talk about whatever he or she is experiencing. Most importantly, be reassuring and provide answers as needed. 

Grief is complex for all involved, and you don’t want to worry about the funeral or other practical matters while going through the stages of grief. Since their inception in 1898, Cornwell Funeral Home has provided local families in Dardanelle, AR, with compassionate funeral services, from helping with casket selection to tips on how to give a moving eulogy. Visit them online to access more helpful grief resources. You can also call (479) 229-2524 to begin planning a funeral for yourself or a loved one.