*Content warning: mature themes - listener discretion advised*

How do you talk to your kids when they are touched by the profound loss of a loved one through a suicide? These hard conversations must be had openly with your children - with kindness, compassion, and empathy. Your job is NOT to tell them everything, but to answer their questions honestly, in an age-appropriate way.

Topics in this episode:

Protecting children from pain
Limited evidence for how to have these conversations
Keep your reactions level
National Centre for Childhood Grief
Keep the conversation age/developmentally appropriate
Young Children and Middle Childhood:
- Keep it simple
- Operate on the principle of 'the fire hose'
- Answer questions honestly (to the degree with which they are curious) - the more general you can be, the more protected your child will be
- Offer empathy
- Talking helps to dispel misinformation and stigma and creates a safe space to ask questions
- Encourage questions about anything, and at any time
- Ensure they understand what "dead" means. Give concrete answers, not idioms or euphemisms
Expect and accept a range of emotions (and behaviours!) from your child, which will change daily. Let them feel safe to let it all out

Picture Books for Helping Children Navigate Grief

Elergy for an Elephant by Ryan Abramowitz
Death Is Stupid by Anastasia Higginbotham
Luna's Red Hat by Emmi Smid
Red Chocolate Elephants by Diana C. Sands
Forever Connected by Jessica Correnti

For help:

Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467
Mensline Australia: 1300 789 987
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Standby - Support After Suicide 1300 727 247

In Memory of Logan - Happy Families

Find us on Facebook at Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Email us your questions and comments at podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

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