For children, time seems to go much slower, which may be part of the reason why the death of a loved one is so hard to accept. If you’ve recently lost a family friend or relative, you may be anxious about sharing the news with your son or daughter, as well as how they will process it. However, the following tips may help ease the grieving process for your little one.

3 Tips for Grieving With a Child

1. Let Them Know You’re Hurting Too

Children of all ages look to their parents for cues, whether they're deciding when to cross the street, or how to respond to bad news. Therefore, don’t wait for your child to speak up about their own grief or try to downplay your own emotions. Hearing that you are also hurting will be comforting for a child who is unable to explain how they feel. For example, after breaking the news, say “I’m missing your grandpa very much,” or simply, “I’m feeling very sad about Aunt Margaret.” This may encourage a child who has been stifling their emotions to speak up, and to know that their reaction is completely “normal.”

2. Don’t Leave the Future Open-Ended

After your child has had time to accept the loss of their loved one, their next thoughts may be uncertainty about the future. For example, if they used to spend the weekends with their uncle, let them know where they’ll be staying come Saturday. If their late grandma used to read to them every night, let them know that you’ll gladly take over this routine, if they'd like. Also, encourage your child to ask any questions as they arise, and let them know you’ll do your best to keep them in the loop about the future.

3. Involve Them in Memorializing Your Loved One

Whether you’re planning a video slideshow for the funeral or designing a gravestone for their burial, don’t hesitate to involve your child in the process. Alternatively, ask them if they have any thoughts on how to celebrate or honor their loved one’s life. They might want to plant a tree to remember their picnics together or paint a picture to hang next to their grandparent’s urn. Creative activities could serve as an outlet for your little one, so they can process their grief in a healthy way. It might also encourage them to express their emotions about the loss, especially if they can’t find a way to put them into words. 

If your family has recently lost a loved one, reach out to Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home of Sparta, WI, for more guidance on grieving. This funeral planning company has served area families since 1858 and will work hard to ensure every detail of your loved one’s service goes according to their wishes. Whether you're interested in a direct funeral or a cremation and reception, visit the website to learn more about their options or call them at (608) 269-6666 to start planning a service today.