Things You'll Need:
- Patience
- Belief system
- Understanding of the child’s maturity level
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Step 1
Begin teaching children about death long before a loved one dies. Use nature as a guide: a squashed bug, a dead animal along the side of the road, the death of a pet. Any of these can be used to familiarize your child with the concept of death.
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Step 2
Answer any questions your child may have openly and honestly. Even though it may be uncomfortable for you, be truthful with your child.
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Step 3
Help your children understand the difference between a fictional death they see on television or read in a book and a death in real life. Children, especially younger ones, are often confused when they see a character die on television and then see them in a different show.
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Step 4
Explain your concept of death to your children based on their maturity level. Keep your explanations simple, but help them understand that death is final and that it is not simply sleeping.
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Step 5
Allow older children to attend the funeral of a friend or acquaintance. Here they can learn about the rituals surrounding death and gain compassion and empathy for the mourners. This can help them later if they must experience the death of a loved one themselves.
