How To Support Your Children When A Relative Dies

When a family member dies, it’s the worst time for your family. Children, in particular, are affected the most by the death of a family member. They may even feel responsible for their parent’s death or feel tremendous guilt over not being able to protect them. This is why supporting your children becomes necessary, you have to help them heal and move on. Unfortunately, though, supporting children during this difficult time is not easy. This can lead to further grief, stress, and anxiety for children and adults.

Because at the end of the day, it is undeniable that losing someone you love can be devastating. It is a loss that they will probably feel forever, but at some point, you will have to move on. Moving on, however, doesn’t necessarily mean forgetting or letting go of them completely. There are many ways in which you can let your children hold onto their loved ones. For instance, you could help them build a shrine in the memory of the deceased. You could also consider turning the remains after cremation into beautiful ashes diamonds that could be worn as a pendant close to their heart. While it doesn’t replace their physical presence, it could serve as a reminder of their existence and the love they shared.

Here’s What You Should Do:

Don’t Rush To Them About The Death

When a relative dies, it’s natural to want to talk about the loss your relative’s death has created. But it’s easy to say the wrong thing, like saying that your relative died “quickly” or that it was “not unexpected,” which may make the loss even harder for your child to understand. Use simple words to talk about death to help your child understand what happened and reassure him that you understand this has hit him hard, too.

Listen And Comfort

Coping with the death of a loved one is never easy, but it can be especially difficult for the children who are left behind. They may be grieving just as much as the adults in the family and may express it in many of the same ways: crying, excessive sadness, anger, and more. It’s normal for children to feel a range of emotions following a loved one’s death. The important thing is that you can be there for them and give them the love and comfort they need.

Don’t Let Their Feelings Be Confuse

A death in the family is always difficult for everyone. Children can often be left feeling confused, without a real understanding of what death means. The loss of a family member can be especially difficult for children and teenagers, as they often have very few examples of death around them. Children need support, love, and reassurance, and this can be hard to find at such a stressful time.

Ready Your Child On What To Expect

The loss of a loved one can shatter a child’s sense of security. Our children depend on us to protect them from uncertainty and remove any added stress from the process. But parents often are at a loss because children struggle to verbalize their emotions. To help, they must convey the “what” and “when” of the impending loss. Children need reassurance that their parent(s) are all right and that they’ll see them again

Avoid Changes In Their Behavior

Losing a loved one is never easy, especially for a child. Children deal with death in many different ways. You may notice changes in their behavior. They may act differently toward other children. They may also try to comfort you. You need to remain strong.

Let Them Be Part Of Funeral

If your child has lost a loved one, it’s important to support them during this difficult period. It’s important to be there for them, but let your child lead the conversations since they’re the ones dealing with the pain. If there’s anything you can do to make things easier for your child, you will do it. It’s equally important to let them be part of the funeral since they need closure.

Tell Them Stories About The Person

The stories we tell our children about the people they love, whether they are family members or famous figures, matter. Stories, in particular, can help children understand and cope with loss. Parents want to help their children understand what happened and provide emotional support when a relative dies. However, it may be difficult to know when or how to respond.

Let Them Have Their Closure

Your children are likely grieving the loss of a loved one. The loss of a parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent, or relative can be very hard for children to understand, especially if the person’s death is sudden. Giving them a chance to say goodbye to their loved ones is the best way they can have closure.

Your entire family needs support after the death of a loved one. While no one will be able to replace your spouse, friends, or loved one, there are many things you can do to help your children through this difficult time. Your children will need lots of opportunities to express themselves. Find ways for them to express their emotions. It may help start a journal, so your child can write down their feelings. Also, your children will need lots of hugs and kisses.