|
Explaining Death to Preschoolers
Perhaps one of the hardest
lessons a parent is forced to teach their child is the
lesson of life and death. It is going to happen - a
family friend, a relative or a pet will die - but how
should a parent best explain this to a young child without
frightening them? Should young children be spared the
pain of knowing?
SHOULD YOU TELL YOUR CHILD THE TRUTH?
Experts tend to agree that the best
way to handle death - no matter how young - is to tell
the truth.
Many parents hope to protect their children
from the grief they are personally experiencing by telling
them that a relative has gone on a trip, or a pet has
run away. However, children pick up on the emotions
of others and may become insecure about the possible
'disappearance' of other loved ones.
Sharing your grief by telling your child
the pet or loved one has died permits them to grieve
as well. They will not blame themselves for the loss
if it is explained the pet or person was old or ill.
While you do not have to go into details you should
reassure your child that sickness like that is not common
and you and they are probably not going to get that
sick. If the person was old tell your child that you
will be around for a long, long time and they don't
have to worry.
If a pet dies from old age be sure to
let them know pets don't live as long as people.
USE THE PROPER PHRASE
While you may or may not go into details
about your beliefs at this point try not to use euphemisms
that could confuse your child. 'Passed on', 'went to
sleep' or 'put down' are likely to frighten a child
- possibly creating the impression they could also die
in sleep.
You want to save your children from
this experience, but it is unlikely they will not sense
your grief. They need to know they are not responsible
for the event or your sadness. Keeping your explanation
simple but honest will remove fear while still letting
your child acknowledge their feelings. Be prepared for
a variety of responses and do not force your expectations
on to them. Very young children may respond more to
your grief than the actual event.
Young children are also sensitive to
changes in routine. Making as few changes as possible
will help them cope and teach them that life still goes
on and that, in time, the pain will lessen.
1howto.com
--------------------------------------------------
Please
Share Your Tips with Us
|
