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Step 1
Think carefully about the words you will use when speaking with a child. Children are very literal and each word will carry meaning. For instance if God "takes" someone to heaven kids may worry that they may be "taken" too.
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Step 2
Keep the conversation simple and clear. With an abstract subject that can confuse even the best theologians, a simple and low-key approach is best. Leave complicated explanations out of the conversation and use child-friendly language.
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Step 3
Read a book about heaven with your child. Reading together is comforting to children and there are several books geared toward children dealing with heaven. The book, "104 Questions Children Ask about Heaven and Angels," is an excellent choice to start with.
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Step 4
Find a quiet place when you have your child's attention and plan for time for questions after reading books about heaven together.
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Step 5
Be prepared to talk about death. Many questions about heaven result from the death of a pet or a loved one. Children are afraid of the unknown and death is often scary for young children. Let them know that death is a part of life and feeling sad is okay. The thought of heaven can be reassuring and ease their fears.
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Step 6
Listen to the child and follow their lead. If they are curious they will continue to ask questions and talk, but if the subject becomes too uncomfortable, they will likely shut down and exhibit behavior that will let you know they have reached the limit of what they can handle.
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Step 7
Explain honestly and openly with them about what you know and don't know. It's okay not to have all of the answers and seeing that you don't know everything can be reassuring.
