In the event of the death of someone close .. How do we explain the concept of death for children?

Death is a complex reality that is difficult to accept, and may become more complex when we try to explain it to children.

The most painful moment in life is the loss of a family member. Death of a family member. Perhaps it is easier to explain this fact to the child if his pet or someone other than a relative died.

Children's age and understanding of death
Several studies on this topic show that understanding of this fact changes according to the age of the child; when he is two years old or younger, for example, the child may have a sense of presence and absence, but the ability to think logically or the possibility of incorporating the concept of death has not yet developed The child has that age.

According to Piaget's theory, motor sensory development in children depends more on reactions, and it is natural that they are indifferent to this type of pain, as other research on the concept of death and its effects has confirmed that children under the age of seven believe that death is temporary and reversible.

This is one of the most difficult questions to explain to children, especially when we don't have the resources to explain or answer the multiple questions they ask.Therefore, we must find an appropriate way to communicate what happened or try to prevent children from feeling pain or at least reduce it.

Children and questions
If a child is under the age of five at the time of death, he or she will not be able to understand three basic factors: that death is final and irreversible, that the vital functions of the deceased person are completely and permanently absent, and that death is inclusive.

So children might ask, for example, "Why do I no longer see my grandfather?" And "Is death painful?" And "Can he hear us?" And "Is this absent forever?"

How do we explain death to children?
Adolescents and children can understand the concept of death to some extent, but they may also fear being abandoned or lonely and sometimes hide their anxiety. The author also highlighted certain ways in which adults can explain death to children through emotion and love because that's what they need.

Provide clear and consistent answers
If you do not feel ready to answer this question, you can postpone the explanation until later, since such questions are very important, so it is advisable to provide an appropriate answer.

It is necessary to provide clear answers to the child, you must convince him that he can not see the dead person anymore, but you can tell them that memories will always exist, and make sure that the answers are consistent.

Avoid phrases such as: "He's asleep" or "went on a trip" because doing so may show fear of sleeping or traveling.

Let the child express his feelings
It is important to allow the child to express his concerns in a safe, quiet and uninterrupted place, and when the school-age child may need help in describing and expressing his feelings.

Explanation in a simple and appropriate way
Some parents offer religious explanations about death, but children are still unable to comprehend it, so it is advisable to provide more specific answers to the fact that a person is physically absent.

He explained to the child that not all people who get sick lose their lives, in order to transfer safety and safety in relation to their health.

It is important to explain to the child that his actions did not cause anyone's death to avoid guilt.

The author concluded that death is a very complex fact, so communication on this topic is not always easy, and if you feel that you need support, do not hesitate to consult a psychiatrist to guide you on how to deal with this event.