When a friend or family member passes away, it can be hard on every member of your family. Many parents are unsure how to talk to their children about death, especially when it involves someone they care about. Below, Leo M. Bean And Sons Funeral Home in Rochester, NY, offers some advice that they’ve garnered in their more than 40 years of providing funeral home services to make this conversation easier.

How to Talk to Your Child About the Death of a Loved One

1. Use Precise Words

Just like physicians don’t say that someone “has gone away” or “isn’t coming back,” it’s important that parents be direct with children in communicating what happened. This way, there is no confusion. If you say something like, “You can’t see them for a while,” the child may continue to ask about the person as they wait to learn when they can see them again. Instead, use precise wording when explaining that the person has passed away.

2. Let Them Know it’s OK to Show Their Feelings

Not everyone cries when they are dealing with grief. This is especially apparent at funeral homes, as some people cry while others laugh and share stories of the individual who died. Kids may not know how to react to the news that someone they know has passed. Some will cry, while others won’t quite understand the concept of death and will have trouble deciding how to feel. Share that they can feel however they like and it’s ok to either cry or not cry.

3. Plan a Way to Honor Your Loved One

Many families begin the grieving process by finding a way to honor their loved one outside of the funeral home. For example, a mom, dad, and son may have tea every Sunday in memory of their granny. Kids may also benefit from keeping a beloved object from the person, like a quilt from grandpa’s house or a toy from a cousin’s room. These items will remind them of the individual, keeping their memory alive.

It’s important to remember that everyone grieves in their own way. Kids may take longer to get what’s going on than adults, so have patience while they process. Explain what death means in precise wording and ensure that your child’s feelings are valid. You can also honor the loved one in a meaningful way to help your kid understand that you carry them in your hearts always. To learn more coping tips from Leo M. Bean And Sons Funeral Home, call (585) 426-7830. Visit the website to learn about their cremation, burial and memorial services.