While no one is spared the grief and suddenness of loss when a close person dies, for children it can be a confusing time, especially when they face the emotions and trauma of losing a family member for the first time. Though it is something that everyone would want to prevent a child from experiencing, it is important that you take the right steps to help a child overcome the loss of a parent or a close family member.
Help them understand
Small children who are unacquainted with the concept of death might have a hard time understanding what death is and why a person does not get up from their sleeping position. While facing a death is a tragedy and a greater one to explain to a child, try and comfort the child by letting them know that the departed is in a safe place, with angels and the almighty God to look after him or her. By painting a soothing picture of the transition of the soul, it helps children feel comforted with the fact that death leads to something better. Try and explain what are funeral arrangements and why they are required as per the level of intelligence and age of the child.
Give them time and attention
When a family grieves the loss of a family member, everyone seems to be lost in their world of grief and suffering. In such instance, it is important that you pay attention to the emotions of a child and help them understand or give them a normal environment as much as possible. Children usually face experiences of loss in a different way, usually by the things that seem different or by feeling the despondent feeling in others around them. In order to help them feel better and cope with the loss, try and be normal and help them carry on their daily activities. Pay attention to their clothing, school and meals as before; put in time to play with them, spend quiet time with them, read to them and discuss with them the changes that are coming about. Explain to them funeral homes and the significance of the service that is held; it is important that you do not shut them out and keep them alone in this period of grief and transition. The above points need to be kept in mind when you are helping a child cope with the loss of a close person and how they can move on in their life.