Coping With Death: How Parents Tell Children About Dying And Bereavement

Everyone knows that death is inevitable. However, to put the idea of closure and ending into young minds is a difficult task but it must be done in one way or the other.

In an article published on The Irish times, a parent shared her story when she was caught in the middle of the tragic loss of family members. But what was challenging for Aedin O'Leary was how to explain the tragedies to her little children, who faced the deaths of close relatives.

To make O'Leary's kids be accustomed to the demise of loved ones, she let them went to the funerals of their brother and later their aunt. Even though their young minds were not able to comprehend the idea of an eventual end of a human being, the idea of people dying became an understandable experience.

Children who are bereaved must be given special care and stability. It is crucial that they understand death as a part of life and it does not happen in a limited area but in the whole world. According to Irish Times, they must be educated as to death actually means the end of life.

They must be heard, should be properly counseled so that they can express their feelings completely and they should be encouraged to let their fears and phobias out. They should be allowed to discuss what they feel about the loved ones who had died.

According to Kids Health, children should be told that grieving is not prohibited and encourage them to share the grief with the family members. Parents should also explain that grief should not keep them from their daily life routine.

Sometimes such traumatic events make children overthink and overreact but they must be given proper advice in the most kind, amicable and understanding way possible. If they are facing some difficulties in their studies or doing chores, they should not be discouraged or scolded as it can only lead to destruction of the personality of the child.

Children are fragile and the new things that they experience might not be easy for them to deal with. But with the help and support from parents and elders, they can cope with life's daily challenges better.