SHOULD CHILDREN KNOW ABOUT DEATH?
(Explaining death to children, involving children in grieving rituals) • Color my memories (Very simple colouring book for children) • A scrapbook of memories (A fill in the blank book with colouring pages to help a child through their grief) • Good-bye buddy (A story about loosing a friend, along with ideas to help children grieve) Helping Your Child through Your Divorce – by Florence Bienenfield This book addresses how you can create a home environment that will help your child adjust to the divorce in your family. The author outlines three principles: help your child feel loved by both parents, help your child feel good about himself, and model good coping skills. This book also covers topics such as joint-custody and mediation. How to Parent with your ex – by Brette McWhorter Sember Designed for both custodial and non-custodial parents, this book provides practical, to-the point advice for parents to solidify a special relationship with the child and maintain necessary, positive co
Yes! Why? How? When? Remember… Reference Materials Learning to accept death is a natural experience in life. It is most important that children not be excluded from participating in the funeral service. If exposed to a death, a child should be prepared for and guided through the period of mourning and grief. Why? Surprising, the “Protection-philosophy” with regard to a child’s knowledge of death is a current trend, stemming from our own death-denying culture. Similarly, parents often isolate children from the pain of growing old. They remove grandma or grandpa to a nursing home or hospital. When death occurs, the child is frequently assigned to a babysitter while the rest of the family participates in the funeral. Allowing the child to be a part of the ceremonies, and even the conversation, helps relieve their fears. The “mystery of death” may be avoided with proper explanation. Each time a child inquires and is denied adequate information, they delve into their own memory bank to cr
(Reprinted with the permission of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association) YES? Learning to accept death is a natural experience in life. It is most important that children not be excluded from participating in the funeral service. If exposed to a death, a child should be prepared for and guided through the period of mourning and grief. WHY? Surprisingly, the “protection-philosophy” with regard to a child’s knowledge of death is a current trend, stemming from our own death-denying culture. Similarly, parents often isolated children from the pain of growing old. They remove grandma or grandpa to a nursing home or hospital. When death occurs, the child is frequently assigned to a babysitter while the rest of the family participates in the funeral. Allowing the child to be a part of the ceremonies, and even the conversation, helps relieve their fears. The “mystery of death” may be avoided with proper explanation. Each time a child inquires and is denied adequate information, they delve int
Yes. Learning to accept death is a natural experience in life which must not be ignored. Talking about death is necessary. It is a vital part of every child’s development. Permitting the child to be a part of the experience, both in their attendance at the funeral and in discussing the death, helps to relieve their fears and anxiety. It can also provide a mutual source of support.
YES! Learning to accept death is natural experience in life. It is most important that children not be excluded from participating in the funeral service. Children, who sometimes are “protected” from the experience, know when they are being deceived. They should not be told that “Grandma is sleeping.”, or “Grandpa went on a trip.” Instead, honesty is vital. Explanations should be simple, and in an environment that will stimulate questions and comfort. Above, all love and reassurance should be paramount so that the child will feel secure. Different levels of involvement are called upon depending upon the age of the child. We have a children’s room in our funeral home, with toys, television/VCR, and games, to help children of all ages feel comfortable in the funeral home environment. We also have literature, free for the asking which helps parents to explain and children to understand, the concepts surrounding death.
