What is the best age to discuss death and dying with your kids?

Answer 1

Once while we were passing a cemetary, my child asked, "mom, how come there are all those stones in the fenced area?" I said, "They burry you when you die" and the reply came? "Why?" and just as swiftly I answered "Because people start to stink after they die" It was all so matter of fact, they weren't bothered or ever asked again. The question about 'where do you go after you die' is a matter of faith.

Answer 2

As early as possible, given how well they can communicate with you.
You know your children best, so you're most able to feel out how ready they are for such a discussion.
I began talking with my son about death when he was very young - not quite 2, but only because my mother (his "second mom") died very suddenly.
My son is now seven, my daughter is two, and we have my grandmother, terminally ill with cancer, living us. We explained that she has come home to be cared for, and that she will die here as well.
Because we've been open with both of our kids, and have tried very hard not to let our own fears and hang-ups about death and dying get in the way, both kids seem to be doing just fine with the whole thing.

Answer 3

i would say at around 6 or 7 is best. Take you're child outside and point to a plant. Tell the child about how a plant grows when it is watered and eventually bloom's into a flower. Make it interesting go into detail if you can. After that sit them down. Tell them that the flower will eventually wither and it's energy(or whatever u believe in sorry if i offend you're religion) will return to the planet so another flower can grow. The same thing will happen after they get older. When they pass on their spirit goes back to the planet so other thing's can be born. Everything has spirit energy, and this is a cycle that continues. So tell them not to be afraid everything end's eventually. It's just the matter of accepting it or not.

Answer 4

Well, when my son was 3 and his great grandmother who we saw on a weekly basis died, we didn't have a choice. We explained that our heart/brain makes our bodies work and once they can't function anymore that a person dies but their memories stay with us and they can watch over us from heaven. Instead of explaining cancer, luekemia, etc. I felt that that was a simple explanation and honestly the truth. My daughters were one and a half and 8 months old, so finally around the same age of 3 we explained why there grandma (MeMe) died and they seemed to get the idea. I think if you have to 3-4 years is a good age to explain death/dying. But each parent is different.

Answer 5

Wow, scary, huh! Luckily mine are 3 and 4... so not quite there yet. Of coarse, the depth of the conversation will depend on your childrens ages. My 4 Y.O understands dying... and heaven. I think until a family members death approaches, it shouldnt be an issue... until you know they are old enough to understand. If this is something you need to discuss with your kids, start small, believe me, they will ask questions.... it will fill itself out!

Answer 6

My daughter was 2 1/2 when my mom, grandfather& gramdmother passed away in a one year time. Although she could not understand much, We would acknowledge that they were in "heaven". I also bought her a couple of books that I would read to her such as freddy the falling leaf. i don't think there is really an age time, I think it is what happens along the way in life

Answer 7

I think this is why we have pets - which we did experience the death (sudden) of our daughters parakeets as our cat got to them - [no fun!!!]

I think you need to just take their lead. If they ask, talk about it.
I wouldn't sit them down and have the "death" talk.

If you have a sick friend or family member you should talk openly about it.
Our kids had to think hard last week my father in law had a stroke, the surgery to help him was 50/50 and he did fine.
But death came up (13,10 and 8)

I think as long as they ask (no "age") and it's on the news or in conversation be honest.

Answer 8

your children shoud always know that there is a time when death can occur. a good time to tell them is when a relitive or friend has passed on. Dont ever say "Bill is dead." choose instead something like "Bill went to see Jesus yesterday." make it soft and sweet as not to scare the child. do it when they are young but old enough to understand. I suggest 2 or 3 years old.

Answer 9

I don't know at what age will be the best. My mom didn't discuss with me until I asked her questions when I was around 6 and went to my uncle's funeral. My daughter asked me questions when she was 5, it was after my father-in-law's funeral. I think it is best to let a child come to you with questions.

Answer 10

I started when one of my children's pets died. They were old enough to know that something "tragic" had happened. Kids are pretty resilient...they can tolerate a lot of bad things most adults can't...just use your own best judgement and watch for their reactions..which you can use to decide whether to discuss this normal part of life further. Simple is best. Good Luck.