When a loved one dies, it can be difficult to know how to
help kids cope with the loss, particularly as you work through your
own grief.
How much kids can understand about death depends largely on
their age, life experiences, and personality. But there are a few
important points to remember in all cases.
Explaining Death in a Child's Terms
Be honest with kids and encourage questions. This can be hard
because you may not have all of the answers. But it's important
to create an atmosphere of comfort and openness, and send the
message that there's no one right or wrong way to feel. You
might also share any spiritual beliefs you have about death.
A child's capacity to understand death - and your approach
to discussing it - will vary according to the child's age. Each
child is unique, but here are some rough guidelines to keep in
mind.
Until kids are about 5 or 6 years old, their view of the world
is very literal. So explain the death in basic and concrete terms.
If the loved one was ill or elderly, for example, you might
explain that the person's body wasn't working anymore and
the doctors couldn't fix it. If someone dies suddenly, like in
an accident, you might explain what happened - that because of this
very sad event, the person's body stopped working. You may have
to explain that "dying" or "dead" means that
the body stopped working.
Kids this young often have a hard time understanding that all
people and living things eventually die, and that it's final
and they won't come back. So even after you've
explained this, kids may continue to ask where the loved
one is or when the person is returning. As frustrating as this
can be, continue to calmly reiterate that the person has died and
can't come back.
Avoid using euphemisms, such as telling kids that the loved
one "went away" or "went to sleep" or even that
your family "lost" the person. Because young kids think
so literally, such phrases might inadvertently make them afraid to
go to sleep or fearful whenever someone goes away.
Also remember that kids' questions may sound much deeper
than they actually are. For example, a 5-year-old who asks where
someone who died is now probably isn't asking whether
there's an afterlife. Rather, kids might be satisfied hearing
that someone who died is now in the cemetery. This may also be a
time to share your beliefs about an afterlife or heaven if that is
part of your belief system.
Kids from the ages of about 6 to 10 start to grasp the finality
of death, even if they don't understand that it will happen to
every living thing one day. A 9-year-old might think, for example,
that by behaving or making a wish, grandma won't die. Often,
kids this age personify death and think of it as the
"boogeyman" or a ghost or a skeleton. They deal best with
death when given accurate, simple, clear, and honest explanations
about what happened.
As kids mature into teens, they start to understand that every
human being eventually dies, regardless of grades, behavior,
wishes, or anything they try to do.
As your teen's understanding about death evolves, questions
may naturally come up about mortality and vulnerability. For
example, if your 16-year-old's friend dies in a car accident,
your teen might be reluctant to get behind the wheel or even ride
in a car for awhile. The best way to respond is to empathize about
how frightening and sad this accident was. It's also a good
time to remind your teen about ways to stay safe and healthy, like
never getting in a car with a driver who has been drinking and
always wearing a seatbelt.
Teens also tend to search more for meaning in the death of
someone close to them. A teen who asks why someone had to die
probably isn't looking for literal answers, but starting to
explore the idea of the meaning of life. Teens also tend to
experience some guilt, particularly if one of their peers died.
Whatever your teen is experiencing, the best thing you can do is to
encourage the expression and sharing of grief.
And if you need help, many resources - from books to counselors
to community organizations - can provide guidance. Your efforts
will go a long way in helping your child get through this difficult
time - and through the inevitable losses and tough times that come
later in life.
Mourning the Loss
Is it right to take kids to funerals? It's up to you and
your child. It's appropriate to let kids take part in any
mourning ritual - if they want to. First explain what happens at a
funeral or memorial and give kids the choice of whether to go.
What do you tell a young child about the funeral? You may want
to explain that the body of the person who died is going to be in a
casket, and that the person won't be able to talk or see or
hear anything. Explain that others may speak about the person who
died and that some mourners may be crying.
Share any spiritual beliefs you have about death and explain the
meaning of the mourning rituals that you and your family will
observe.
If you think your own grief might prevent you from helping your
child at this difficult time, ask a friend or family member to care
for and focus on your child during the service. Choose someone you
both like and trust who won't mind leaving the funeral if your
child wants to go.
Many parents worry about letting their kids witness their own
grief, pain, and tears about a death. Don't - allowing your
child to see your pain shows that crying is a natural reaction to
emotional pain and loss. And it can make kids more comfortable
sharing their feelings. But it's also important to convey that
no matter how sad you may feel, you'll still be able to care
for your family and make your child feel safe.
Getting More Help
As kids learn how to deal with death, they need space,
understanding, and patience to grieve in their own way.
They might not show grief as an adult would. A young child might
not cry or might react to the news by acting out or becoming
hyperactive. A teen might act annoyed and might feel more
comfortable confiding in peers. Whatever their reaction, don't
take it personally. Remember that learning how to deal with grief
is like coping with other physical, mental, and emotional tasks -
it's a process.
Nevertheless, watch for any signs that kids need help coping
with a loss. If a child's behavior changes radically - for
example, a gregarious and easygoing child becomes angry, withdrawn,
or extremely anxious; or goes from having straight A's to
D's in school - seek help.
A doctor, school guidance counselor, or mental health
organization can provide assistance and recommendations. Also look
for books, websites, support groups, and other resources that help
people manage grief.
Parents can't always shield kids from sadness and losses.
But helping them learn to cope with them builds emotional resources
they can rely on throughout life.
Reviewed by:
Dale Perkel, LCSW
Date reviewed: February 2006
Originally reviewed by:
Steven J. Bachrach, MD
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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