What to tell my kids about their Aunt who just killed herself.
By Peaches1122
@Peaches1122 (470)
United States
January 8, 2007 1:07pm CST
My ex-wife's sister just committed suicide and I am wondering how this is affecting my kids. My oldest is 9 and the youngest is 7 ... both boys. So far, they seem fine and not too bothered. They were fairly close with their Aunt but she did not get to see them much in the past few months as she lived far from them. Any thoughts ... any experiences?
2 responses
@danishcanadian (28955)
• Canada
8 Jan 07
Try being honest. Tell the kids that she was depressed and something in her head made her think she only way out was to kill herself. This was not the right answer, however, and it cost her her life. Take the opportunity to open a dialogue between you and your kids so that they will feel comfortable coming to you with problems. Perhaps their aunt didn't have that type of relationship with anyone. Make sure that your kids always have someone to talk to, whether it's you or your ex-wife. Also, make sure you and your ex-wife put up a united front for them, and don't speak out against eachother.
