Figuring out how to discuss loss with your little ones when a friend or relative passes away is just one of the many hurdles of coping with death. The compassionate staff at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home in Trumbull, CT, has been helping families through this difficult time since 1906. They know how hard it can be for anyone to discuss the loss of someone they care about, especially with a child.

Here are some tips on speaking with a child about loss from Abriola Parkview Funeral Home and grief counseling expert Dr. Bill Webster:

• Open The Dialogue: You, the parent, should initiate the conversation. In most cases, a child will not ask any questions out of fear of upsetting the adults. Try to think of a question your child might have and pose it to them instead. Answer each question honestly, even if it means sometimes not having an answer.
• Use Age-Appropriate Language: Each age group's understanding of language is different. Stick to simple words and ideas your child will understand and use concrete rather than abstract language.
• Let Them Process At Their Own Speed: Everyone mourns differently, and children tend to mourn in pieces at a time. This may mean having shorter conversations that are spread apart over a period of time. Let them express all of their emotions at their own pace.
• Observe & Reassure: Observe any fears the loss may have left in the child, and reassure them that no one else is going to die. Reassuring them could also mean reinforcing the idea that their place in the family isn't going anywhere. 

Overall, in order to help your child truly process the loss in their life, it's best to open the subject for discussion and let them know that their questions and feelings are okay. 

If you're in need of grief counseling or funeral services, turn to the family that has been helping Trumbull-area residents honor their loved ones for over a century. For more information, call Abriola Parkview Funeral Home at (203) 373-1013 or visit their website.