Whats a good age to teach your children about death?

Question

My sister is dealing with this. Her son is 6 years old. He had a close cousin die when he was 3 and still talks about him all the time and his grandpa died this week. He asked why he wasnt breathing during the funeral and he also asked if they were going to put him in the ground and put dirt over him. The only reason she brought him to the funeral was because his grandpa would of wanted him there. He loved his grandchildren dearly.

Answer 1

I would always answer my child's questions but not talk to them about it more than they ask. When it comes up seems like a good time. I wouldn't bring a child to a funeral just because the dead person would have wanted the child there, but only if it was the best thing for the child. But I think a 6-year-old who was close to his Grandpa could reasonably be brought to the funeral and it might give him some closure and a chance to ask questions.

Answer 2

I think the right age is either when they start asking questions or when something happens like this.

Death is a normal part of the human experience, and children deserve to hear the truth about why loved ones are gone.

Imagine how that child would feel if he thought that grandpa just went away and wouldn't come back to see him. He might think his grandpa didn't love him, or that he'd done something bad.

Letting him know, in an age appropriate way, that grandpa died and we're going to miss him very much, is kinder and more helpful to the child.

I'm sorry for your and your sister's loss. Good luck.

Answer 3

My 4 year old daughter has just recently begun obsessing over the idea of death. Always talking about it and the only place she could have heard it from was preschool. I just make sure to answer her questions in a mature way. Not make a joke of it at all. She's very informed now and knows it's not a pleasant thing to discuss.

Answer 4

I think 3 is a good age. My daughter who is now 5 understands life and death. We are religious and teach her that death is not a bad thing, and that when we die we go to a very special place and live in happiness forever with our father. She knows that when someone around her dies, its okay to be sad, but it's also good to know that one day we will all be together again.

Answer 5

We started teaching my daughter at about 3 she is now 4 and understands better. It started by saying if you run into the street you will get hit by a car & we may never see you again.... and then she asked question upon question upon question. And soon she was questioning me quit frequantly. But I don't think she grasps the finality of it all, I am not sure when they do understand that

Answer 6

As young as possible. Children must get used to death and the notion of death so it is not too shocking or confusing. Life is unpredictable and they must be prepared for any situatio, good or bad. We can't filter them from the bad things of life forever. Teach them of death before it hits a friend or loved one.Think of it like a vaccine.

Answer 7

I do not know your culture, but in mine there is no death. The body is left in the second stage while the soul and spirit move on to the third stage of life. So what exactly is death? To me, it sounds like the boy has already learned that there is another stage to life.

Answer 8

You should teach the son now. He won't understand immediately, and it may take many years for him to comprehend the full meaning of death. However, every religion and belief system has their own opinions about death, and it's important that you explain those beliefs to the children.

Answer 9

I had to this past April when our aunt passed. My daughter was 4 at the time.

Answer 10

As soon as they can understand. Probably btw ages 4 to infinity.