Explaining Death to Kids?

@Triple0 (1904)
Australia
August 9, 2011 7:16am CST
Hey guys! So I was thinking, death is a sad and scary event. So how exactly would you explain death to your child? Especially if they're very young like in preschool. For me, I discovered death at very young age because I had a lot of rabbits and some of them got killed by this cat that came by. Lets just say it wasn't a clean death as some parts were left lying around. My parents just went straight to the point and told me that the rabbits got killed and died. Not something a 6 year old wants to hear. So I was wondering, how do you explain death to your kids? Do you tell them a story? Like your dog Albert is on a journey around the world and won't be home for a long time?
4 responses
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
7 Sep 11
I prefer to tell the truth and that is what I did with my kids.
@Triple0 (1904)
• Australia
8 Sep 11
Yeah It's better to tell the truth than lying to your kids but sometimes the truth can hit pretty hard. Some kids take it easy, whereas others don't.
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
8 Sep 11
That may be true! If parents have good communication and good communicating skills and love, lots of love, than it all goes much smoother. Communication start in the womb!
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
9 Aug 11
there is no easy way to do this but there are some really great books out there to help but i wouldnt say that they have gone to sleep because the child will expect them to wake up (just like they do) but as for your situation, you could explain it by the seasons with plants, trees. i like the journey idea too because life IS a journey. i wouldnt lie to the kid and tell them they dog/cat will be coming home, though
@MandaLee (3764)
• United States
24 Sep 11
Hi, As a Christian, I believe that if a person knows Jesus Christ as their Savior, they will go to Heaven and live with Him when they die. I would tell the child that the person went to Heaven to live with Jesus.
@smotanMC (68)
• Bulgaria
9 Aug 11
Sometimes is better to tell the truth right away , because this way your kids will be stronger psychically and belive me you want your kids to get stronger psychically ,because that means discipline. Cheers