Talking to Kids About Death and Loss

Park Memorial • October 12, 2021

When a loss happens in a family, parents often struggle with what to share and how to share the news with their children.

Whether the loss of a family pet, a loved one, or a family member, the struggle of sharing the news of the loss is the first in a series of difficult conversations for parents.


"What do I say? What words do I use? How do I know what my child is ready to hear? I am grieving, too… how do I share this news and comfort my child while also holding space for my own feelings and grief?”



Just like other aspects of parenting, this parental role does not come with a handbook, however there are some solid resources available to help: 


  1. Talking About Death and Dying, an online workshop series for parents and caregivers, via KidsGrief.ca. Overview: "Most parents dread telling their children that someone important to them has a life-limiting illness or is dying. They may hesitate to provide the details about how someone has died. This reluctance comes from a good place. It's a natural instinct to protect children and keep them emotionally safe. Research and experience strongly suggest we talk with our children early on in these situations. The best way to protect children is in fact to given them clear, honest information and support that is right for their personality and maturity."

  2. The BriarPatch Centre for Grieving Families (A Program of Pilgrims Hospice Society) provides a comprehensive array of workshops, art therapy, and individual, group, and family counselling support for families with grieving children, 5 years old and older, in Edmonton, Alberta

  3. Helping Children Cope with Grief, a comprehensive guide from Dr. Alan Wolfelt, Center for Loss & Life Transition. Overview: "Adults grieve. So do children. As an adult or child, experiencing grief means to “feel,” not just to “understand.” Anyone old enough to love is old enough to grieve. Even before children are able to talk, they grieve when someone loved dies. And these feelings about the death become a part of their lives forever."


Please also visit our list of local community resources to help you find local therapists and programs that focus on children’s grief.

By Park Memorial April 2, 2025
My Dearest Daughter, as I write this letter, I can already feel the weight of my absence pressing upon you. There is so much I wish I could have told you, so many moments I wish I could have shared with you. But now, as you face the daunting task of being my Executor, I realize how much I have failed to prepare you for what lies ahead.
By Park Memorial March 25, 2025
Being named the executor for a loved one is both an honour and a significant responsibility. As you step into this role, it is understandable to feel overwhelmed by the myriad of tasks and decisions that lie ahead. While the process can be complex and time-consuming, it is essential to approach it with warmth, empathy, and unwavering professionalism.
By Park Memorial March 21, 2025
At the heart of our daily operations lies a deep-rooted pride in being a Canadian family-owned and operated business. While other funeral homes in Canada are owned by US corporations, we are proud of our Canadian heritage.
February 21, 2025
Embracing Grief, Finding Connection
By Mike Cameron November 5, 2024
What does it mean for a man to grieve “Correctly?” Better question… “Who gets to decide what “correctly” looks like for you? According to grief experts like Dr. Alan Wolfelt, there is no one-size-fits-all model of grief. All of our journeys are unique. And while I know this to be true, the reality is that most men I have spoken to feel a lot of pressure about how they are supposed to grieve.
By Park Memorial September 10, 2024
Attention Edmonton community! The Canadian Mental Health Association - Edmonton Region is pleased to announce the relaunch of its impactful Youth Suicide Grief Support Program, starting tomorrow! This vital program is designed to support youth aged 12-25 and their families/caregivers who have experienced a loss due to suicide.
By Park Memorial August 29, 2024
When a child is diagnosed with a critical illness or suffers a critical injury, their family’s life shatters into pieces. Parents and siblings are catapulted into new terminology, clinical discussions, hospitals, treatments, huge changes, and fear along with the child in care. Families who receive ongoing care for their child or children at the Stollery Children’s Hospital know this too well.
By Park Memorial August 2, 2024
Park Memorial recently added Aftercare Specialist Sarah Kucharski to our team of funeral professionals. Her role is to make the aftercare process of completing forms and applications, and closing a loved one’s estate a little easier; she walks beside each of our families to assist with these tasks after the funeral. She comes to us with almost 20 years of experience as a Licensed Preneed and Aftercare Specialist. Park Memorial is a full-service funeral home, therefore Sarah’s care is included in our professional services to each family that we care for.
By Park Memorial August 2, 2024
A will is a legal document that reflects your end-of-life wishes and values, and it can provide peace of mind and clarity for yourself and your loved ones. Having a will is important because it allows you to decide who will be charged with managing your estate (your executor), such as overseeing your liabilities, who may take care of minor children and who will inherit your assets.
By Park Memorial May 17, 2024
As the sun sets on our incredible event last Friday, we find ourselves reflecting on the profound journey of self-discovery and empowerment that was The Strength Within: Balancing Life, Loss & Chaos. Over the course of the day, we witnessed remarkable transformations, forged deep connections, and witnessed the extraordinary power of resilience in action.
Show More
Renovations in progress at Park Memorial Edmonton - Click here to learn more.
×
Share by: