How to Explain Grandparent Death to a Child

One of the hardest experiences in life is losing a close relative. If it were up to us, we would never allow the people we care about leave our side. However, we aren't given a choice in life. And we will eventually have to accept this unpleasant reality.

Children may also find this difficult. They have less of an idea of the reality of life than we have. The majority of the time, they do not frequently think about dying. Therefore, it can have a variety of effects on them when someone they love abruptly departs from their lives for good. How you break the news to them in the initial phase is crucial. Here, we'll offer some guidance on how to break the sad news to a youngster about the passing of a grandmother or other close relative so that they can handle it better.

Age-based perceptions of death by children

Children's perceptions of death change as they get older. Child Bereavement UK has provided a thorough overview on how kids of all ages perceive death. Here is a quick summary of the topic:

Those under 2

Children at this age are unable to comprehend what death is. This does not imply, however, that kids do not experience it when their caregiver is not around. When a primary caregiver is absent, newborns can sense desertion and grief as early as 6 months of age.

children aged 2 to 5

Children between the ages of 2 and 5 only partially comprehend death. They are aware of the loss of an individual or an animal. They are aware that the deceased person or animal has passed away and will not return, but they do not fully understand this. Death at this age can be followed by concerns regarding the departed's whereabouts and circumstances.

children aged 5 to 7

When children are between the ages of 5 and 7, the gaps in their understanding of death are gradually filled. They understand that all living things eventually die and that death is irreversible.

Teenagers

Teenagers' perceptions of death are consistent with those of adults. However, their approaches to grieving could vary. They might behave riskily or struggle with depression. Learn more about how to discuss death with your teen.

How to Explain a Loved One's Death to a Child

The grandparents of most kids hold a special place in their hearts. They are the ones who stand up for kids when their parents are upset, who attempt to force-feed them delectable meals till they explode, and who are always willing to donate money to others behind their backs. A child's life may become suddenly empty once a grandmother passes away. Thus, how you inform a child of the death of a grandparent is vital. It's crucial to gently deliver the news to them in light of this. The following advice will help you notify a youngster that a loved one has died:

Pick the Right Phrases

It's critical to avoid any misunderstandings while communicating with your child the news that a grandparent has died away. This is crucial if your child is too young to fully comprehend what death entails. You shouldn't try to minimize the seriousness of the occurrence by adopting softer language. When referring to the departed, use terms like "has gone to sleep" or "is in another place" to avoid giving young children the impression that they will return. They may suffer later as a result of this.

Be encouraging

Although they may not express it, children will require a lot of encouragement and assurance during this time. You should support them and allow them space to think through and express their emotions. When they are mourning, kids—especially teenagers—can go silent. It's crucial to give them ample room while still letting them know you'll be there for them if and when they need to chat. Learn how to elicit a teenager's emotional disclosure.

Provide Grief with Appropriate Outlets

After a while, the agony of losing a loved one could become intolerable. As a result, the bereaved individual may behave riskily to dull their anguish. According to a 2017 research in Addiction Research Theory, nearly 35% of patients with substance use disorders were coping with difficult grief as a result of bereavement.

The same holds true for kids and teenagers. As a parent, you should make sure that they aren't engaging in any risky behavior to cope with their suffering. In this case, a parental control app might be useful. A good example of a tool that can assist you in monitoring your kids' online activity and ensuring they're not engaging in harmful behavior is Safes. Install it to begin your free trial period on iOS, Android, or Windows10.

Help them find healthier ways to express their emotions so they don't use unhealthy coping mechanisms for grieving. They can feel more connected to their emotions by remembering the deceased person, appreciating the time you spent with them, and commemorating significant dates. Plan a movie night, go on a trip, or just order takeout if you think it will help.

A Word

The aforementioned advice on how to inform a child about the death of a grandparent or other loved one is important but insufficient. Children are incredibly loving and prone to attachment. As a result, losing a loved one can be quite difficult for them. They still have the rest of their lives to live, so eventually they should be able to overcome the sorrow and get on with their lives. Do not hesitate to seek professional assistance if you believe that they are experiencing persistent grief that has persisted for a long time and is interfering with their daily lives.