Explaining the need for funeral homes Skokie, IL, to young children is never easy. The conversation can be life-changing for the children. It can change the way they relate to people around them. Learning that you aren’t going to live forever is rattling. However, sometimes you have to learn this lesson at a very young age. When death touches a child in your family, you may feel at a loss for words. You have so much to deal with that dealing with explaining death to a child on top of everything else feels like too much. You can use this post for advice.

1. Be Direct

You’re going to get the urge to soften the blow. The last thing that you want to do is to luck into those sweet, trusting eyes and explain that someone they love is dead. It’s heart-wrenching. However, there’s no way to get around it. If no one tells the child that the deceased is gone, it’ll be even worse. You need to clearly explain that the deceased is gone. They’re not coming back. Instead of unclear phrases like “passed away” and “went to a better place,” be frank. The deceased is dead.

2. Don’t Wait

You need to let the child know as soon as possible. Otherwise, they may learn about the deceased in a way that you don’t like. That means that you don’t have enough time to wait. Try to prepare the child for the conversation if possible. Let them know that you have something very serious to discuss.

3. Expect the Unexpected

You have no idea how the child is going to react. They might have a completely “normal” reaction or they might not. It’s not unusual for kids to act like the deceased’s passing is no big deal and go back to playing immediately. Or they might throw a fit and start screaming and crying. There’s no way to predict how they’ll react.

4. Be Patient

Be patient. You may need to discuss the matter for a long time. Death is a confusing concept for many children. It’s understandable if they don’t understand what’s happening at first. Whatever their reaction is, you need to react with patience. Don’t take anything personally. It’s a strange moment for both you and the child. You’re both grieving, albeit in different ways.

5. Be Kind

Above all else, be kind. Death can make a child lose hope. Your kindness will go a long way toward healing damaged feelings. You may think that you already know to be kind. But it’s hard to remember even basic courtesy when you’re emotionally distraught. You have to work twice as hard to be kind. Still, it’s worth it. Children rarely respond to rough treatment.

Please visit Haben Funeral Home & Crematory, conveniently located at 8057 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL, 60077, when you need funeral homes Skokie, IL. Our compassionate, professional team can be reached at (847) 673-6111. We have the understanding you need at such a sensitive moment.