Talking to Your Children about Death

It can be extremely difficult knowing how to talk to your children about death.  Your children may experience death in a variety of ways such as the loss of a pet, the death of a grandparent, or the death of a classmate’s parent.

Your children may have a lot of questions and fears about death.  It’s important to make your children feel safe.  Take a look at some of the books below for help with this sensitive topic.

Help Me Say Goodbye by Janis Silverman (ages 4-8)

This book provides many different activities that can help children cope with death.  If your children have lost a pet or a family member, this can be a great way to honor the memory of the lost loved one.  This book can give your children the opportunity to express their feelings in a more clear way with the use of art.

Sad Isn’t Bad: A Good-Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing with Loss by Michaelene Mundy (ages 9-12)

This book helps to explain different ways of grieving after the death of a loved one.  The text helps to make children feel more comfortable about their feelings and thoughts.  It also excels at showing children that they are still safe, even after experiencing loss.

The Gift of a Memory: A Keepsake to Commemorate the Loss of a Loved One by Marianne Richmond (ages 8+)

This book takes a look at death by honoring the deceased.  Your children are able to learn that memories can serve as a way to cope with the loss of a loved one.  Written in a touching and loving way, the author of this book helps children throughout all aspects of the grieving process.

When talking about death with your children, remember the following:

• Be there to answer their questions and address their concerns
• Explain to your children that they will always be loved and protected
• Let them know that death is a sad but normal part of life

 

It can be difficult discussing death with your children, but it’s important to make sure that they know that they will always be cared for.  It’s also important to have a plan in place for the future of your children.  Consider meeting with an estate planning attorney to appoint a guardian for your children so that they are always protected even after your death.