Notable News

Childhood Grief

The recent death of Steve Irwin, "The Crocodile Hunter" raises an important question: How do you talk to your children about death?
Remember that there is no right or wrong way to talk about death, but it is important to discuss the subject when the child is ready as opposed to avoid it. Here are some suggestions from Dr. David Fasler on talking with children about death:

1. Do not force the discussion; wait until a child is ready.

2. Give honest answers.

3. You may have to repeat answers several times for a child to understand what you are saying and for the child's reassurance.

4. Acknowledge the child's thouts and feelings.

5. Reassure your child that they are safe; children often "personalize" a death and begin to worry about their own safety or the safety of those close to them.

6. The following are signals that a child may need professional help dealing with death; when they are preoccupied with death and safety, ongoing sleep disturbance, or being unable to separate from parents (for example, refusing to go to school).

7.The following link contains more information on children and grief:
http://www.aacap.org/page.ww?section=Facts+for+Families&name=Children+And+Grie f
ADD and medications. Sleep problems.