How to Help a Child Cope With the Death of a Parent

Death is a confusing and sad time for everyone, especially for a child who loses a parent. Even though you may want to avoid the subject, it's important to explain to the child what has happened. In order to cope with the death of a parent, the child must understand what death is. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Explain death to the child in a concrete manner. If you say that his parent has simply gone to sleep for a long time or gone away, the child may wait for his parent to return. A more simple explanation for a younger child is that his parent's body stopped working.

2. Ask her if she has any questions about death. If she does, answer the questions promptly and honestly. It's important that she's not left wondering what is going to happen to her parent.

3. Share your spiritual beliefs with the child. It may help to talk about heaven if the child is used to going to church. This can comfort him and help him cope with the death of his parent. Knowing that his parent is in a better place and possibly watching over him should help the child cope with the loss.

4. Understand that she's going through a traumatic time right now, especially if her parent died unexpectedly. Let her know that you're there for her and she's not alone. Encourage her to come to you when she's feeling down because keeping emotions bottled up delays the healing process. Consider taking her to a psychologist if she seems overly depressed or is having a hard time coming to terms with the loss.