Lifehacks 

Should I tell my child their grandparent is dying?

Joe Ford

Should I tell my child their grandparent is dying?

There is no set way to tell a child or young person that someone is dying. Every family and every situation is different. It’s usually better to tell the child or young person soon after the person is diagnosed, or when the illness becomes more serious.

Should a child see a dying grandparent?

Young children do not need to be there when a parent actually dies, but it’s important for them to stay in their home where they feel the most secure. If a parent is in the hospital, children should be allowed as much contact with the parent as possible. The same applies to a parent who is dying at home.

How do you help a child grieve the loss of a grandparent?

Some strategies to help your young child cope with grief could include gathering pictures and telling stories of some of the special times they shared with their grandparent. If your child doesn’t remember a specific story or have the words to express what they remember, gently guide them through what happened.

What age does a child understand death?

Children begin to grasp death’s finality around age 4. In one typical study, researchers found that 10 percent of 3-year-olds understand irreversibility, compared with 58 percent of 4-year-olds. The other two aspects of death are learned a bit later, usually between age 5 and 7.

How do you tell a child someone has died?

Clear words such as ‘he has died’ are easier for children to understand than ‘lost’ ‘passed away’ or ‘gone to the stars’. Allow for time together for comfort, support and any questions they may ask. Answer questions honestly, but keep explanations short, clear and appropriate for their age and understanding.

How do children cope with the death of a sibling?

Here are six ways you can help your child cope with the loss of a sibling:

  1. Let them grieve in their own way.
  2. Let them express a wide range of emotions.
  3. Give them some slack.
  4. Encourage them to have healthy outlets to help relieve the pain they feel.
  5. Let them remember and celebrate with others.
  6. Let them get help.

What do you say when a baby dies unexpectedly?

The death of a child: What to do…

  1. “He/She was such a fine kid with so much potential.”
  2. “As a parent myself, I think what you’re going through must be horrible.”
  3. “To have a new life end so suddenly is so very sad.”
  4. “I/We are thinking of you.
  5. “I/We are shocked and saddened by your loss.

What to say to a child who is grieving?

Some appropriate sentiments are listed below.

  • “Sometimes we feel like it’s our fault when someone dies, but it’s not.”
  • “It’s hard to imagine someone we love has died.”
  • “I am so sorry your friend/parent/sibling died. I know you will miss him/her.”
  • “When someone dies, it’s OK to talk about how you feel.”