• Children should be told the truth using as much detail as he or she can understand. (age appropriate)

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• Explanations should be simple, direct, and age appropriate.

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• Use of the proper words, such as death, died, or cancer is preferable to substitutes such as “passed away” or “sleeping”.

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• Encourage children to ask questions.

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• It’s ok for adults not to have all the answers and to give an honest “I just don’t know the answer to that one.”

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• Reassurance may be needed about their own security as children often worry about themselves and others.

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• Clarify that they are not responsible in any way - through feelings, actions or thoughts - for the death of their loved one.

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• Listen to and accept their feelings.

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Copyright 2012 The Austin Center for Grief & Loss

www.austingrief.org