Life Kit Be Honest And Concrete: Tips For Talking To Kids About Death
May 28, 2020
In this enlightening discussion, Rosemary Trulio, a developmental psychologist and expert from Sesame Workshop, delves into how to talk to children about death. She revisits the iconic Mr. Hooper episode from Sesame Street as a masterclass in conveying grief. The conversation emphasizes the importance of honest communication, using relatable concepts, and avoiding euphemisms. Trulio shares strategies for parents to support children through their grief, highlighting the necessity of creating a safe space for feelings and ongoing discussions about loss.
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Be Honest and Concrete
- Use the word "died" directly when discussing death with children.
- Explain death concretely: the body stops working, the heart stops, and there's no more breathing or eating.
Child's Perception of Death
- Anya Kamenetz's daughter, at three, believed she, her mother, and their cat were immortal.
- Kamenetz, despite wanting to reassure her, told her the truth, preparing her for the cat's eventual death.
Don't Overwhelm Children
- Avoid overwhelming children with excessive details about death, especially all at once.
- Allow children to process grief in stages, revisiting questions and emotions over time, like eating an apple bite by bite.