Helping Children With the Death of a Parent

Loss of a parent can be traumatic for children, especially if they are young and still heavily dependent on their support. Parents are a vital part of a child’s world so losing one of them can cause feelings of uncertainty and fear. At Tindall Funeral Home, we have helped many families get through this difficult time. Here are some tips that can help children deal with the death of a parent:

1. Communicate Clearly

Telling a child that their parent has died can be one of the most difficult things to do but it is important to communicate it. Don't use any vague terms or phrases and make sure they understand their parent is never going to come back. Giving children false hope can hurt their mental health and make it difficult for them to cope with the loss.

2. Understand Their Version of Grief

Adults and children grieve differently. Children throw tantrums, test boundaries, defy rules, and misbehave. They cry, rage, throw insults, and are volatile. It is important to be patient with them while providing steady support. Make sure they know they are secure and no one is going to abandon them. Children will test boundaries because they are in an unstable situation and fear change. It is the family’s responsibility to provide security.

3. Establish and Maintain Routines

Establishing routines can provide some stability to the children. You need to ensure they have a comfortable environment they can rely on. Make sure there’s someone available to take over the lost parent’s responsibilities like making breakfast or dropping kids off at school. When children know their routines aren’t going to change, they will be able to let go of their fear and focus on their grief.

Contact us at Tindall Funeral Home through our online form or call (315) 468-5521 if you want to know about our services and need advice.