When a loved one dies, adults experience grief in different ways, and they learn how to cope with it over time. On the contrary, children react differently. It is very difficult for them to face the loss of their loved ones, for example Grandpa. According to Antonella Galli, Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist, explaining the death of a relative to children will depend on how close children were to this relative. However, it is important that honesty always prevails

1. Give them an explanation: With calm and confidence, it is necessary to tell them that all people have a lifetime and leave this world towards a place where they will be well. “In this conversation, you can make use of religious beliefs of the family” says Galli

2. Do not involve them in the funeral: The psychologist says that children are very receptive to the negative feelings of others and it is not recommended that they be present at that moment

3. Make their own farewell ritual: If it is recommended that children do a tribute to their loved one. “They can draw pictures or write a letter to their grandfather. It is a perfect opportunity to teach them to honor people who were part of the family”, she says

4. Understand the feeling of sadness: It is important that children understand that crying and being sad is absolutely normal and is a natural reaction to the departure of a loved one. It is a stage that with a lot of patience can cope with and/or overcome

Lic. Antonella Galli
Psychologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma