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Tips for talking to kids about death and grief (from KidsHealth.org):
Use simple, clear language. Euphamisms and figures of speech are hard for kids to understand. Be simple, direct and caring and give your child a moment to take in your words.
Listen and comfort, no matter the reaction. Some kids will cry or ask questions while others seem not to react at all. Try to make sure your child doesn't feel like he or she is "wrong" in reacting in any way. Sit together and offer reassurance and answers if needed.
Tell your child what to expect. Outline what will happen next. There might be travel, a funeral or memorial or a change in routine. If the upcoming events are not as much of a surprise, your child may be able to deal with emotions more completely.
Give your child time to heal from the loss. Be sure to have ongoing conversations to see how your child is feeling. Emphasize that healing doesn't mean forgetting and good memories can help us enjoy our future.
Check out these titles to help you start a healthy conversation.
Easy
My Big, Dumb, Invisible Dragon by Call Number: EASY LUCASISBN: 9781683641841Publication Date: 2019-07-23
The Remembering Day / el Día de Los Muertos by Call Number: EASY MORAISBN: 9781558858053Publication Date: 2015-10-31
Fiction
The Night Diary by Call Number: JUV FIC HIRANANDISBN: 9780735228511Publication Date: 2018-03-06
My Father's Words by Call Number: JUV FICTION MACLACHLISBN: 9780062687692Publication Date: 2018-10-02
Seven Clues to Home by Call Number: JUV FICTION POLISNERISBN: 9780593119617Publication Date: 2020-06-09
Kate, the Ghost Dog by Call Number: JUV FICTION WILSONISBN: 9781433805547Publication Date: 2009-11-15
Nonfiction
One Wave at a Time by Call Number: JUV 152.4 THOMPSONISBN: 9780807561126Publication Date: 2018-04-03- One Wave at a Time by Call Number: JUV 152.4 THOMPSON 2018ISBN: 9780807561126Publication Date: 2018-04-03
Where Do They Go? by Call Number: JUV 155.937 ALVAREZISBN: 9781609806705Publication Date: 2016-11-02
Questions and Feelings about When Someone Dies by Call Number: JUV 155.937 HEWITTISBN: 9781515845386Publication Date: 2019-08-01
Saying Good-Bye to Uncle Joe by Call Number: JUV 155.937 LOEWENISBN: 9781404866775Publication Date: 2011-07-01
What Happens When a Loved One Dies? by Call Number: JUV 155.937 ROBERTSISBN: 9781459809451Publication Date: 2016-04-05
Zayde Comes to Live by Call Number: JUV 155.937 SINYKINISBN: 9781561456314Publication Date: 2012-10-01
Something Very Sad Happened by Call Number: JUV 155.937 ZUCKERISBN: 9781433822667Publication Date: 2016-08-01
What Happens at a Funeral? by Call Number: JUV 393 CROSSMEIISBN: 9781508166986Publication Date: 2018-07-15
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