Children

Children are extremely sensitive and will be aware of the tension and distress of adults who are expecting the death of a loved one. Exactly what they understand and how they respond varies depending on their age, previous experience and individual personalities. It is always important that you talk to them and are as honest as possible to help them understand what is happening, and why.

There are a number of resources including picture and story books and organisations that can support and help you prepare children of different ages for the death of someone in their lives.

There are also Helplines specifically designed for teenagers and young adults wanting to talk with someone about how they are feeling about an expected death and also during bereavement.

Click here for Child Death Helpline, Cruse and Winston's Wish in our Useful Contacts section for telephone numbers and websites.

Click here for a very short but helpful guide for adults wanting to know how best to answer children's questions in the Funeral section of this site.