Children and Death Part II

How to speak to your child about death when your PTSD partner dies from suicide. . . cont.

1. Kids fear loss and separation due to their vulnerability. They need to be reassured that someone will always be there to care for them. If they ask when you'll die, it's o.k. to tell them, "I don't expect to die for a long time."

2. Avoid saying things like "They went away" or they died due to illness" because a young child may develop fears related to any separation or illness. They need to be reassured that people usually only die when they are very, very sick. Again, reassure young children that most people live a very long time.

3. Avoid telling young kids "Daddy is with God now" if religion hasn't been -part of their life. They takes words literally so may think God will suddenly take them away.

4. Encourage kids to express how they feel about the loss. In so doing, they can grow stronger over the cumulative losses in their lifetime.

5. Especially in the case of suicide, children are likely to blame theirselves. They think it's something they either did or didn't due that makes them responsible for their mom/dad killing theirself. They may lash out in anger and blame the other parent.

6. Art and talking to someone are two ways that will help your child express their feelings, in order to process the stages of grief.

Till next time, God Bless-

ANJYL