How To Talk To Children About Death
Posted by: Erin Ward in Funeral Advice | July 12, 2021
Originally published by Conner & Koch Funeral Home Blog
The loss of a loved one is never an easy time. When someone close to you dies, it can be difficult to deliver the news to friends and loved ones. Some of the hardest people to talk about death to are children. In many cases, parents struggle with what to say and how to speak to their kids about death. It can be a sensitive topic as you’re unsure of exactly what information you should tell them, and more so how to explain it.
To help make this difficult conversation easier, we’ve compiled a list of do’s and don’ts for when you’re telling a child someone has died.
What You Should Do
Be honest with them.
If you’ve lost someone close to you, you’re going to be upset about it. Rather than trying to hide your tears and pain, or leaving your child wondering, be honest with them right away. By letting them know why you are upset and emotional, it can help them better understand the grieving process.
Make sure they know what this means.
It’s important to let your child know what death means. Using a word like death or died can be difficult but it’s ultimately more beneficial to your child. If you use words like went to sleep, the child may be confused and not fully understand the situation. Let them know what death is so they are not left with any questions.
Be ready for their reaction.
If this is the first time your child has lost someone in their life, be prepared for a variety of different responses. Everyone reacts to the initial trauma differently; your child may be upset or angry. Let them deal with this initial trauma in their own way and have time to process it.
Prepare them for the future.
They may have questions about what life will be like without this person. If they were especially close to the deceased, make sure they know that there are still ways to celebrate holidays and other events without them there.
Prepare them for the funeral service.
Make sure you talk to your child about what to expect at the funeral service. Your child may have questions about burial or cremation so make sure they understand what is happening. If there is a viewing planned, make sure they are prepared for this beforehand. You should also discuss funeral etiquette, and how the day will go so they have time to prepare themselves.
Cry together.
Crying is a healthy part of the grieving process. Don’t feel the need to hide your emotions in front of your child. Crying together can be helpful in the healing process.
What You Shouldn’t Do
Don’t change your routine.
One of the most efficient ways to help your children cope is by sticking to their routine. By being consistent and keeping children in their routine of school and extracurricular activities, they will be able to see that their life is still very much the same as it was before.
Don’t hide your emotions.
If you are upset about the loss, don’t feel the need to hide it from your child. Letting them see you cry will help them understand how to deal with grief and that it’s okay to feel upset after a loss.
Don’t set a grieving timeline.
Everyone copes differently in their own way and on their own time. Don’t feel like there is a particular length of time for you or your child to follow. Whether they get over the loss quickly or are upset for a while, it doesn’t mean they care more or less than you. Let them grieve in their own way.
Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know”.
Your child will most likely have questions about death and what this means moving forward. Don’t be scared to say you don’t know the answer to a question. Let your child know this is a new chapter for everyone and that you are going to work through it together.
Don’t be afraid to laugh.
Laughter is often the best medicine. Don’t hesitate to share stories and laugh with one another. It will help your family remember good times with your loved one and start to feel better.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to understand that it’s ok if you are struggling to find the ways to explain the loss of a loved one to your child. Dealing with the grief of losing someone is never easy, it can be even more challenging when you have to explain this to a child. Make sure you understand that the people around you are here for you and can help offer advice and assistance during this difficult time.
Sources: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/two-takes-depression/201612/the-dos-and-donts-talking-child-about-deathhttp://kidshealth.org/en/parents/death.html
29 Comments
Roblox
5 days ago
KRNL is widely recognized as one of the most dependable script executors used with Roblox. It is known for delivering stable script execution and smooth performance, which helps reduce crashes during gameplay. Many players prefer KRNL because it can handle complex scripts efficiently while maintaining consistent performance across different Roblox experiences.
Developed by the well-known creator Ice Bear, KRNL includes support for advanced libraries such as the drawing and debug libraries, allowing users to run more sophisticated scripts. It can also execute popular compact scripts like Owl Hub. One of the biggest advantages is that KRNL provides several features that were once limited to paid executors, making it a popular free option for users who want powerful scripting capabilities Krnl Steal from Brainrots Script
Dark Aura Panel
5 days ago
Battle royale games are everywhere now, but Garena Free Fire is still one of my favorites because of its fast matches and smooth gameplay. While searching for tips to improve performance, I found a helpful article discussing Gringo XP APK and its gameplay support features. The explanation was quite clear for beginners too: Gringo Xp
Dark Aura Panel
5 days ago
Dark Aura APK is a compact Android application developed for players of Garena Free Fire who want smoother and more responsive gameplay. The app allows users to fine-tune in-game controls, optimize FPS (frames per second), and design personalized HUD (heads-up display) layouts. These adjustments help players experience better stability and improved performance during intense matches.
With advanced tools such as enhanced targeting assistance and improved in-game visibility, Dark Aura APK can help players gain a competitive edge in every battle. Whether you are a beginner learning the mechanics or an experienced gamer aiming for higher ranks, this tool can enhance your overall gameplay experience and make every session of Garena Free Fire more engaging and efficient Dark Aura Panel
OpenIV
5 days ago
It is important to remember that OpenIV should only be used with the offline PC versions of Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto V. Using it with the online mode of these games is not recommended and may cause issues with your game account. The tool is mainly designed to help players manage game files and install mods in single-player mode safely. OpenIV
SportsFire
5 days ago
In addition to live sports streaming, SportsFire TV APK also offers updated match schedules and real-time score updates so users can stay informed about upcoming events and ongoing games. The app features a simple and user-friendly interface that helps viewers quickly find sports channels and live matches. Overall, SportsFire APK is a convenient solution for sports lovers who want easy access to global sporting events on their mobile devices. Sportsfire
Blox Fruits Roblox Script
5 days ago
Many Roblox players look for reliable Blox Fruit Script tools that make grinding and farming easier in the game. Scripts with features like Auto Farm, Auto Raid, Fast Attack, ESP, and Fly can help players progress faster and defeat bosses more efficiently. If you want to explore updated Blox Fruit Script No Key resources and guides, you can check this page: Script No Key
Streamfire
5 days ago
I was looking for a free app to watch live sports and movies, and I recently discovered Blink Streamz APK. It provides live TV channels, HD movies, and live cricket or football streaming in one place. The interface is simple and the streaming quality is quite smooth. If anyone wants details about the Blink Streamz APK latest version and free live sports streaming, this page explains everything clearly. Blink streamz
Streamfire
5 days ago
Over the last few years, Alight Motion has become one of the most talked-about apps among mobile video editors. The app offers professional tools like animation layers, visual effects, and detailed video editing options that allow creators to produce high-quality content directly from their smartphones. Many creators are now interested in Alight Motion PC because editing on a computer can make complex projects easier to manage. While the basic version of Alight Motion is free and includes a watermark, users can upgrade to premium plans to remove the watermark and unlock extra features. If you’re looking for a detailed overview of Alight Motion PC download, features, and setup information, this resource is worth checking out. Alight Motion Pc
Streamfire
5 days ago
Over the last few years, Alight Motion has become one of the most talked-about apps among mobile video editors. The app offers professional tools like animation layers, visual effects, and detailed video editing options that allow creators to produce high-quality content directly from their smartphones. Many creators are now interested in Alight Motion PC because editing on a computer can make complex projects easier to manage. While the basic version of Alight Motion is free and includes a watermark, users can upgrade to premium plans to remove the watermark and unlock extra features. If you’re looking for a detailed overview of Alight Motion PC download, features, and setup information, this resource is worth checking out.
Streamfire
5 days ago
Great article! I recently discovered StreamFire APK while searching for a reliable streaming platform that offers live TV and sports together. What I like most is that it brings multiple entertainment categories into a single app without complicated navigation. If someone wants to learn more about the features, installation process, and latest version, this page explains everything clearly: streamfire
Dofu Sports
5 days ago
Many sports fans look for a simple way to watch live football matches online and stay updated with the latest scores. Dofu Sports is becoming popular because it provides live sports streaming, football match schedules, and real-time score updates in one place. It also covers top leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Bundesliga, which makes it easier for fans to follow their favorite teams. You can learn more about the platform here:
👉Dofu Sports
Dofu Sports
5 days ago
Many sports fans look for a simple way to watch live football matches online and stay updated with the latest scores. Dofu Sports is becoming popular because it provides live sports streaming, football match schedules, and real-time score updates in one place. It also covers top leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Bundesliga, which makes it easier for fans to follow their favorite teams. You can learn more about the platform here:
👉 https://dofusports.org/en/
Dofu Sports
5 days ago
Many sports fans look for a simple way to watch live football matches online and stay updated with the latest scores. Dofu Sports is becoming popular because it provides live sports streaming, football match schedules, and real-time score updates in one place. It also covers top leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Bundesliga, which makes it easier for fans to follow their favorite teams. You can learn more about the platform here:
👉 https://dofusports.org/en/
weejay rane
March 5
ffh4x
is a third-party gameplay enhancing program designed specifically for Garena Free Fire.
weejay rane
March 5
A script execution mechanism called Delta Executor was created primarily for Roblox, enabling users to use their own scripts. delta executor
Veronika Lot
January 18
I am also always concerned about my personal information, but I can say with confidence that Australia at Treasury Casino, all your data will be protected to the maximum extent possible and no one will be able to find out such information about you. It is very important for this casino that every player is satisfied and comes back here again and again.
soi cau 247
December 30, 2025
Mình có lần lướt đọc mấy bình luận trao đổi trên mạng thì thấy có người nhắc tới soi cầu 247 chính xác 100 trong lúc đang bàn về các bài tổng hợp số liệu. Mình mở ra xem qua trong thời gian ngắn, chủ yếu để nhìn cách họ sắp xếp thông tin và trình bày các thống kê theo ngày. Đọc lướt một vòng để hiểu mạch nội dung chung rồi mình chuyển sang đọc các bình luận khác, chứ cũng không để ý thêm.
Nora Jackson
June 30, 2025
I've been attempting to expand my wine business in my hometown in White Plains. For the past 7 years, I do play the lottery in my spare time, but on this blessed day I came across an article about Lord Meduza's spell to win the lottery. I contacted Lord Meduza to see if it would work and after I agreed to his terms and conditions for completing the task for me, he performed his magical powers for me and within 48 hours, he provided me with the numbers I needed to play the lottery, and I followed his directions. I found out at the store that I was the winner of a $105 million jackpot. For a moment I felt uncertain but I looked again and I saw it was real. As I speak to you, My level has been elevated from grass to grace and I've come to know that life is more spiritual and with the Lord Meduza spell you can actually win the lottery. Please assist me in thanking him and his contacts are listed as follows;
WhatsApp: +1 (807) 907-2687
Email: lordmeduzatemple@hotmail.com