How to Help Children to Cope With a Parent's Suicide

Dealing with the death of a parent is a difficult task for children, especially when the parent took his or her own life. Each child grieves differently, but most grieving children have a few things in common. As the child learns to cope with the loss, it should become easier to talk openly about what happened. The most important element in helping a child deal with loss is being willing to listen to what the child is feeling.

Instructions

    • 1

      Help the child to answer the "Why?" question. Many children want to know why their parents decided to commit suicide, and while there is no "right" answer, you can help by speaking with the child. Keep your answers simple and short and help the child understand that people who commit suicide are very sad, beyond what a normal person can feel.

    • 2

      Be honest. If a child asks whether her parent committed suicide, you should tell her the truth. While this is difficult to do, it will be better for the child in the end.

    • 3

      Shift the blame away from the child. Many kids may feel as though they have done something to contribute to their parents' suicides. Let the child know that there is no one to blame in the event of a suicide and his parent loved him deeply.

    • 4

      Answer any other questions the child may have to the best of your ability. Some kids may think that suicide might run in the family, some may suddenly be afraid of dying, and others may want to know what to tell friends at school. Be honest with the child and help her to find answers to her questions.

    • 5

      Give the child an activity in which he can express his feelings. Try painting, sculpting, keeping a journal or listening to music to help the child deal with his emotions.

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