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How does the death of a child affect a family?

How should I explain the death of a family member or loved one to children?

Should children visit sick or dying people in the hospital?

Should children attend the funeral of a loved one?

Where can I find more information?

Social Issues Affecting Children and Their Families

Bullying

Death and Dying in Children

People differ in their susceptibility to nosebleeds. Some people get them often, others rarely or never. Nosebleeds can be mild, with just a trickle of blood, or severe, with a strong stream of blood. From which of the following areas do nosebleeds usually originate?

Blood vessels in the back of the nose
Blood vessels on the cartilage that separates the nostrils (nasal septum)
Blood vessels in the throat (pharynx)
Blood vessels in the tissue directly underneath the nose

Death and Dying in Children

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Sep 2021| Content last modified Sep 2021

Click here for the Professional Version

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Losing a child is very painful and hard for a family.

Grieving parents may have a hard time meeting the needs of surviving children
Sometimes, parents quickly have another child to “replace” the child who has died—in these situations, parents may be overprotective of the new child or have a hard time bonding
Counseling may be helpful
There may be a support group in your community for parents who have lost a child

Give children simple explanations at a level they can understand
Older children may be able to understand more—let them know it's normal to be curious and ask questions
Don’t compare death to going to sleep and never waking up because children may become scared of bedtime

If your child becomes very sad or withdrawn, stops taking part in activities, or acts out, have the child see a counselor for help.

Ask your child’s doctor if it's all right to visit.

Prepare children for the visit:

Explain that the person may look different but is the same person
Prepare the child for physical changes, like weight gain or hair loss
Prepare children for medical equipment they may see in use

This is a personal decision. If children attend a funeral, have someone with them who can focus on their needs and let them leave if they want.

Tell children it's all right to ask questions about death and dying.

Give children a way to help. They can:

Write or draw a card
Pick flowers
Wrap a present
Collect food, money, or toys

Bereaved Parents of the USA

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version

Click here for the Professional Version

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People differ in their susceptibility to nosebleeds. Some people get them often, others rarely or never. Nosebleeds can be mild, with just a trickle of blood, or severe, with a strong stream of blood. From which of the following areas do nosebleeds usually originate?

Blood vessels in the back of the nose
Blood vessels on the cartilage that separates the nostrils (nasal septum)
Blood vessels in the throat (pharynx)
Blood vessels in the tissue directly underneath the nose

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