Grief and Loss Forum - explaining death to a child

Relationships > Grief and Loss Forum > explaining death to a child

Q: explaining death to a child

asked by: robin30 on September 25th, 2008

New User

My poor poor step-son! My husbands ex-wife's nephew passed away last night. He was only 4 months old! Most likely from SIDS. How is the world am I to tell my 5 year old step-son that his baby cousin has passed?????

We have had a lot of death and medical issues lately, and I'm afraid that all of this may be too much for him to handle. For example, he has a heart mumor (innocent) but for a while, he kept having nightmares and asking if his heart was dying.

I have no idea how to do this. How can I explain to him???

Please please please advise.

Replies(4)

rooted

replied on September 26th, 2008

Supporter

Well, what are you personal beliefs about death? This will influence how you approach the subject with him.

robin30

replied on September 29th, 2008

New User

He actually took it pretty well. We explained that God wanted the baby near to Him and that He needed him in heaven.
What I have a huge problem with.... no he associates death with our home. He says that everytime he has to stay longer at dads, someone had died. : (
I was thinking that every once in a while he should stay a day ot two longer just so he knows that everything is still ok.

rooted

replied on September 29th, 2008

Supporter

I'm glad to hear it. IT sounds like you're tuning in to his needs, which is great!

robin30

replied on September 30th, 2008

New User

I'm trying..... this step-mom stuff is pretty hard at times..... I just want what's best for the kids. Thanks again.

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