How Can I Explain the Concept of Death to my Children?
Parents try to avoid explaining the concept of death to children for as long as possible, but eventually they need to cross that bridge and ensure that children have a healthy understanding of what death means. Here are some tips and suggestions that can help you through the process:
1. Try Explaining the Concept in Milder Situations
Don’t wait until a family member, friend, or a precious pet dies before explaining the concept of death. It’s easier to explain death when there’s a smaller emotional connection with the deceased. For example, parents can explain death when a tree, plant or a wild animal dies.
2. Be Straightforward and Honest
It’s tempting to use excuses or vague concepts and hope children don’t ask more questions about it, but that can be detrimental to the child’s growth. Be as honest as possible, and use clear, easy-to-understand terms. For example, parents can say that when a person dies, they don’t breathe, eat, or speak, and can’t be present in the child’s life. It important for children to realize that death is permanent and can’t be reversed. Explain that to the children as carefully and honestly as you can.
3. Don’t Shy Away From Talking About it
Some parents just say, “You’re too young to understand” if a child asks them about the concept of death, and this can prove to be detrimental to the child’s growth and development as well. While such a discussion is uncomfortable, avoiding it can cause problems down the line and limit the child’s understanding of death. They might take the concept a little too lightly.
If you want to know more about funeral or memorial services, don’t hesitate to contact Wagg Funeral Home today and we’ll be happy to help.