Be the one to tell them. Deliver the news in a comfortable private space like your home. It’s okay if you or the person speaking with your child are sad or crying, but if you are too overwhelmed then another trusted adult can do it instead.
Be direct. Kids can be very literal, so vague phrases like “passed away” or “in a better place” can be confusing. Be direct with your child, stay calm and compassionate, and say outright that the person or pet has died.
Be ready for questions. Some kids may need time to digest the news, but many children will have immediate questions. Answer them honestly with brief, age-appropriate explanations. Follow their lead rather than overwhelming them with information they may not be ready for.
Let the feelings flow. Showing your own feelings will model for your child that it’s okay to express their emotions. Let them know that it’s okay to be sad and that they may experience a multitude of feelings, and that there’s no wrong or right way to grieve.
Offer reassurance. Your child may worry that other people or pets they love will die soon too, so offer reassurance that everyone is safe.
Share memories together. Whether your child has lost a loved one or a beloved pet, normalize talking about them and looking at pictures so they know it’s not a taboo topic but rather an important part of the healing process.
Create a support network. If your child is having a hard time, don’t be afraid to alert teachers, the school counselor, or other adults who care for them. This will let them know that your child might need some extra support and monitoring. Everyone can look for signs of anxiety or depression such as trouble sleeping or eating, increased irritability, separation anxiety, and/or loss of interest in preferred activities.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
