Life Kit

Death: Talking With Kids About The End

10 snips
Apr 29, 2019
Rosemary Trulio, a developmental psychologist and senior VP at Sesame Workshop, shares her expertise on helping children understand death. She emphasizes the importance of honest communication and keeping explanations concrete, avoiding euphemisms. Trulio encourages parents to allow children time to process their feelings and reassures them they're still loved and supported. She discusses preparing kids for funerals, emotional expression, and the significance of nurturing hope during these tough conversations.
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ANECDOTE

Anya's Childhood Pet Loss

  • Anya Kamenetz shared a childhood experience of losing her dog, Mingo.
  • Her parents tried to shield her from the news on her birthday, but she persisted in asking about Mingo's whereabouts.
ANECDOTE

Big Bird and Mr. Hooper

  • On Anya's seventh birthday, a Sesame Street episode aired where Big Bird learns about Mr. Hooper's death.
  • The episode thoughtfully portrays Big Bird's struggle with understanding death's permanence.
ADVICE

Be Honest and Concrete

  • Use direct language like "died" when discussing death with children.
  • Avoid euphemisms; they create confusion about death's permanence.
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