How do I help my children understand death and grief?
Grief & Loss
Help children understand death with age-appropriate honesty, consistent support, and reassurance about their own safety and your continued presence.
Children need honest, age-appropriate explanations about death. Use clear language like 'died' rather than euphemisms like 'went to sleep' which can create confusion or managing fear. Young children may not understand permanence and might ask when the person is coming back. Be patient and answer questions repeatedly. Reassure them about their own safety and that you're not going anywhere. Let them express emotions through play, art, or talking. Children grieve in bursts and may seem fine one moment and upset the next. This is normal.