How do you explain death to a child?

THE death is in itself difficult to accept and understand. Things get even more complicated when they have to to explain death to a child. If a child can manage the death properly then they may avoid the depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that often follow bereavement.

Most children know that death exists, they may have seen it on TV or heard it in a story.

However, that they know the existence of death, does not mean that they understand it. Children probably don’t realize that death is permanent since usually cartoon characters reappear after death… safe and sound!

Even when a child realizes that death is forever, they may not be able to fully understand all the emotions that loss causes.

The healthline.com giveHere are seven tips that may help you better explain death to a child.

Death, in addition to the feeling of loss, can give rise to feelings of fear and uncertainty, especially when it happens unexpectedly.

Life lessons help in understanding death

Shavaun McGinty, a professional counselor and certified grief therapist in Pennsylvania, says there are four key concepts that are important to understanding and dealing with death:

• Death is irreversible
• All the functions of life cease at the moment of death
• Everything that lives dies eventually
• There are natural causes of death

“Most children understand these concepts by age 5 to 7. But even children who are much younger can understand them with the right help,” says McGnity.

“Helping children understand and recognize the functions of life, such as eating, breathing and sleepingcan be a way to introduce them to concepts related to death,” he advises.

McGinty points out that understanding life can help children to know that death is not due to anything they did or failed to do. It can help them to know that a loved one is not suffering death or experiencing pain, sorrow, hunger, or thirst.

Name the feelings

McGinty points out that the emotions associated with bereavement can be unfamiliar to children. He advises indicate your own feelings so children begin to understand theirs.

For example, say, “I’m so sad that grandma died. I loved her so much and I know she loved us too.”

Continue your routine

While it’s important to allow children to express their grief in their own way, maintaining a daily routine can help them learn that death is a part of life and that life goes on.

Consult an expert

As a caregiver or guardian of a child, it can be difficult to manage your personal emotions while trying to help the child understand death.

You don’t have to shoulder this burden alone. You can visit a specialist psychologist or bereavement counsellor.