Losing a loved one is one of the worst things a person can ever experience. It is tough for adults who have years of emotional development and maturity. It can even be tougher for kids who are not yet well equipped to deal with death and loss. Therefore, it is important for parents to know how to help kids cope with death.
Parents.com shared some of the most effective ways to help children grieve a loss. Knowing how to help kids cope with death is an important part of parenting as it will help them grow stronger mentally and emotionally as well.
1. Tell your kids the truth.
Being honest when it comes to the different aspects of death or loss is one of the best ways to help children grieve. Hiding details can make kids feel worse about the loss and cause them to distrust you.
2. Make it simple.
Explaining what happened to your kids should be done in a simple and age-appropriate manner. This can help them process details better. Avoid making abstract statements that can confuse your child's mind.
Every day I am smiling - Every day I am crying
For every child who is safe - For every child who is not#OpPedo pic.twitter.com/csBsrEyMN7— Anoeee (@AnonAnoeee) March 17, 2016
3. Learn how to listen.
Conversations between parent and child about coping with death should always be a two-way communication. "Children's concerns are often different than you might expect from worrying the deceased will get hungry underground to wondering who will throw the birthday parties," Parents.com shares.
4. Be a good observant.
Kids use a lot of non-verbal cues to show their true feelings and emotions. Parents need to observe all of the changes in a child's appetite, leisure activities, sleeping pattern and other behavior. These changes show that you need to do better in helping your kids cope with death.
5. Show patience and understanding.
One of the most important ways to help children grieve a death or loss of a loved one is to deepen your levels of patience and understanding to their wide range of emotions. Doing this can also help develop your child's empathy.
"One of the most important skills we can teach our kids is empathy," Parent Further explains. "It's a core skill for what psychologists call 'pro-social' behavior - the actions that are involved in building close relationships, maintaining friendships, and developing strong communities."
