Explaining Death To Your Child

By: Matthew Funeral Home
Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Explaining Death To Your Child

The death of a loved one takes it’s toll on everyone, even children. The first time your child experiences a death in the family, they may have a lot of questions. They may not fully understand the concept of death. Children may not also be able to fully understand the abstract of an afterlife, if they are taught that through their religion. The first death in the family for a child may be a learning experience on the realities of life and death. It is important to communicate with your children.
Children will usually ask questions. You should encourage them to ask questions about death. A child’s natural curiosity is healthy, especially in a situation where they may not be able to fully grasp the concept of death. The loss of a loved one in young children can be a hard process to understand without being able to ask questions and look for answers themselves.
It is alright for children to cry. It is OK if they do not. Every child grieves in their own way; no two will feel loss in the same way. Children may experience headaches or anxiety due to loss. They may even show signs of regressive behavior, such as bed-wetting or thumb-sucking. Some may experience anger and aggressive behavior. Denial is also a common reaction for children.
Children that have never been to a funeral may not know what to expect from one. Explain to them what happens during the wake and funeral ceremonies. Funerals are as much about the death of the person as they are about remembering their life.
Adults sometimes struggle with whether or not to bring up religion with children at this time. This is a very complex issue, and one that may be hard for them to fully understand. If you decide to bring up religion into the conversation, try to explain it concretely. Children may not be able to understand abstract concepts and theological ideas fully, especially if they are young.
Matthew Funeral Home has bereavement  resources and literature geared towards children available upon request.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.
Refresh
Audio

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Why Cremation Is Becoming More Popular

Cremation is becoming more popular each year. In New York, the rate of cremation to traditional burial is almost 1-to-1. In this article, we will explore the reasons why you should consider cremati...

Lonliness in Elderly Family Members

Loneliness can really take a toll on an elderly person. There is a combination of factors that go into feelings of loneliness at an advanced age. Friends, spouses, and family members eventually mov...

The First 48 Hours After A Death in the Family

After a loved one passes, the grief can often be overwhelming. But there will also be several critical steps to take following their passing. This article will go over the following 48 hours and wh...

Why Support Matters in Grief

After the loss of a loved one, it is common to be burdened with grief. For those coping with grief, support from friends and family can make a huge difference, but it may be difficult to ask for. S...

Mother's Day Without Mom

Mother’s Day is a time we celebrate those who devoted their lives to caring for us and for bringing us into the world. But it can be a difficult holiday to celebrate after the passing of your mothe...

Do Funeral Plans Go In Your Will?

It is a common misconception that you should put your funeral wishes in your Will. In most cases, the Will is read after the funeral/burial proceedings are complete. If you want your funeral wishes...

Anticipatory Grief and Terminal Loved Ones

When a loved one is sick with a terminal illness, you may experience grief in expectation of their passing. Anticipatory grief refers to feelings of grief and loss when a loved one is expected to ...

Preplanning and Reducing Family Conflict

    Let’s face it. Some family members just don’t get along. Many families have siblings who just can’t agree, or those who simply argue for the sake of it. In times of stress, famil...

Food & Death in the Family

Food is a form of love for many people. From grandma scooping you an extra helping, to parents making sure you have breakfast in the morning. Cooking is often a way to share cultures, support each ...

Burial at Sea: A Guide

Burial at sea is an often-overlooked concept for many New Yorkers, but it is an interesting and unique way to be laid to rest. The New York City area and beyond have many marinas with plenty of cha...