Helping Children With the Death of A Parent

The death of a parent is one of the most traumatic experiences for their children. Whether it is natural and anticipated or unexpected, it can cause a big psychological impact and affect their development. At Nutmeg State Cremation Society, we have seen children of all ages deal with the loss of a parent and have a few tips that can help:

Be Honest

Many children struggle to understand the concept of death and its permanence. It is tempting to soften the blow by saying their parent has ‘gone away’ or ‘is amongst the stars’ but that won’t help them recover in the long run. It is best to tell them about death is straightforward terms and help them realize that it is a permanent state.

Communicate With Them

Children deal with death in different ways. They will ask questions, worry about small things like who would drive them to school or who will play baseball with them. Parents are a part of a child's support structure and daily routine. They provide stability and security so it is natural for kids to feel shaken after such a loss. They will immediately try to regain stability. The remaining parent and family members need to be patient while answering these questions.

Reinforce Stability

As children crave routine and stability at this point, it is important to reinforce it as much as possible. Maintain routines, pay personal attention wherever possible, and ask family members for assistance. It is also a good idea to ask kids what they want to do and give them some freedom to grieve. If they find school or other such regular activities overwhelming, let them take a mental health break for a short time.

At Nutmeg State Cremation Society, we provide comprehensive funeral services and can help you with all aspects of the process so if you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.