How do you explain death to an 8 year old child?

Answer 1

Last summer at my daughter's school there were three parents who died, one being the mother of one of her classmates. We spent lots of time discussing it with her, letting her ask questions and answering in a way that she could understand (she was also 8 at the time). We talked about missing them & also let her tell stories of remembrance, which she still brings up sometimes. She asked to go to the memorial service, but wanted to leave in the middle as it became too much for her. We respected that & went home. On the way, my husband suggested that we stop for ice cream - not to lessen the impact, but to show her that even in times of sorrow it's OK to look forward to something and still enjoy yourself. The school recommended a couple of good picture books to help the kids & this was one of them: http://www.amazon.com/When-Dinosaurs-Die-Understanding-Families/dp/0316119555/ref=sr_1_12/102-2171969-6199347?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1179418941&sr=1-12 Good luck with this.

Answer 2

Death is always a difficult thing to talk about, especially with children. I first experienced a death in the family when I was nine years old. My Uncle was 29 and was hit by a drunk driver while driving home, two days before Christmas.
I was sat down and told what had happened and my grandparents told me that he wasn't coming home from the hospital because he had gone to Heaven instead.

I wish you all the luck in the world and I am sorry for your loss.

Answer 3

Eight is well old enough to understand death. If you need help there are some excellent books at the library. One of the best for children is "It must hurt a lot" by Doris Sanford (the "hurt" refers to the grief part, not the dying part).

The link below is to an excellent source of books and materials on death and dying.

Answer 4

I'm surprised that an 8 year old wouldn't know. I can understand a 5 year old no knowing, but an 8 year old is much more mature.

Answer 5

How about you asking the 8 yr old if he/she has any questions as why someone died then explain to them as best as you can. If they have more questions they will ask.

Answer 6

Tell the child that God has control of everything and everyone's book is already been written. That God wanted that person gone already. That person's purpose had already been fulfilled and that heaven is something we can look forward to from this temporary life.

Answer 7

I was 9 when my grandmother died.
My parents came home, and I could see that they were crying as they walked up the driveway and into the house.

They both sat on the couch with me and I sat on my dad's lap, and he said that grandma had just died.

That is all. I understood it. I didn't think about it much. I knew that she was no longer with us.

Answer 8

Honestly and Openly. Answer every question, but don't pry questions. If you are going to a funeral, make sure you let them know what is expected of them and what they can expect to see (Be quiet and respectful, people praying open/closed casket, praying etc)
Their school will also be able to help if you let them.

Answer 9

Don't tell fairy tale lies.

Be Honest. It will get ur child thinking, cause at 8 years its time enough.

Answer 10

i went through this at age 9 my grandmother died we were told she died. we knew she was sick for a long time so we knew what was coming. just tell them that the person was real sick and couldnt fight anymore so God called them home its called dying at this age they will understand death