Do not give more information than a child wishes or that is appropriate for the child to know. Remember children do not understand death the way an adult does. Talk to your child about their fears. Children need to remain in their role as child in the family. Often times a child's role will change after a death to include increased responsibility or emotional caretaking of a sibling or parent.
Guilt is a common response after the death of a loved one.
A child may feel a sense of responsibility for the death, or they may experience relief that a loved one has died after a lengthy illness. Reinforce that your child did not cause the death and that it is normal to experience relief under the circumstances. Try to support your child the best way you know how during these times. This publication is a project of Comfort Corners and the Public Libraries of Saginaw. Comfort Corners is a bereavement support program specifically designed for children and their families.