How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

My husband passed away very suddenly Sunday morning. My 4 year old saw him, but thankfully thinks he was sleeping.. We told him he went to the hospital because he was very sick.... I don't want him to think he died at home.. But how do I explain death to him? He knows something is wrong...

How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

I don't have any answers, but my goodness, I'm so sorry.

How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

Oh my God, I am so so sorry for your loss. You may want to look into the Center For H.O.P.E for bereavement services, they are part of NSLIJ and have childrens programs 516-216-5194

Re: How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

I have no idea but I am so sorry for your loss!

Re: How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

So sorry!!!
Def see a children counselor.

Re: How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

No clue. But I'm so sorry!!!

Re: How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

I'm so sorry for your loss. There are really no words.

My uncle passed away when my cousin was only about 5 years old. I know my aunt took him to a grief counselor for children. I would def seek out professional help.

Re: How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

I am heartbroken for you but I hope this is helpful...

my son will be 4 in 3 weeks. We just lost my FIL (his grandpa, his best friend) 5 weeks ago.

We told him that Grandpa went to heaven and that we won't be able to see him anymore. He won't be at Grandma's house anymore. We CAN talk about him, we can look at pictures and movies. We can cry or laugh or be sad or happy... whatever we feel like at that time.

We framed a few photos to put in his room.

I agonized over explaining this since we knew it was coming (he passed from Cancer after a year long battle). Everyone told us that he would be fine, it would be MUCH harder on us and they were 100% right.

Children this age do not have the ability to think about the future and the things they will "miss out on" and that is the hardest part for us.

My ONE word of advice - if possible, try not to tell him he was sick and "died" ... try not to use the words dead or died. I didn't want my son to make a correlation between sick and death and worry that should anyone else get sick, they would pass too.


My hearts breaks into a million pieces for you

Message edited 4/21/2014 12:32:59 PM.

How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

My God, all I can offer are hugs and prayers for you and your family. Can't imagine

Re: How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

I'm so sorry for your loss. I don't think I have an answer, but my father died unexpectedly when I was 6 & my brother was 2.5. I understood, but it took longer for my brother to understand. My mom was always honest and there to talk about it, cry, etc. We all slept in her bed for awhile after. It was hard but we got through it. We also had lots of family around for support. Sending and to you.

Re: How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

I just saw a documentary on HBO about Camp Erin. It's a camp for children who lost a parent. It's part of the Moyer foundation. It could be a great resource to you.

Link

Re: How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

I honestly don't know, just wanted to say how sorry I am.

How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

I have no advice I just wanted to say I am so very sorry for your loss.

How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

so sorry for your loss. How terrible. be as honest as a 4 yr old would understand. Don't use words like sick ( i know it was sudden), or anything that is normal to him. You don't want him thinking a cold and dying are related kwim?

Re: How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

Books Related to Children's Grief

Help for The Hard Times: Getting Through Loss by Earl Hipp

How It Feels When a Parent Dies by Jill Krementz

Talking About Death: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child by Earl A. Grollman

My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss

The Grieving Child: A Parent’s Guide by Helen Fitzgerald
Beyond the Innocence of Childhood Volumes 1, 2, and 3 by D.W. Adams and E.J. Deveau (editors)

Helping Children Cope with the Loss of a Loved One: A Guide for Grown-ups by William C. Kroen, Ph.D.

The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst

When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death by Laurie Krasney Brown and Marc Brown

Hope For Bereaved by Therese S. Schoeneck

When Someone Very Special Dies, When Something Terrible Happens, and Drawing Out Feelings Facilitator Guide by Marge Heegaard

You Are Not Alone by Lynne Hughes
Bereaved Children and Teens by Earl A. Grollman

Re: How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

I'm so sorry for your loss

Re: How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

I don't know how to answer your quesiton but I wanted to say I'm very sorry for your loss.

Re: How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

i am so sorry for your loss

Re: How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

I am so very sorry.

Re: How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

Oh dear God. Im so sorry!!!

How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

I am so sorry for your loss.

How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

So sorry for your loss.

How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

I am so sorry for your loss.

I told AJ the truth when my father died. I think I put a thread on here actually. Its hard. So very hard. I am so sorry you are dealing with this!

Re: How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

I am so sorry for your loss.
Is DC in pre school through your school district. I would contact them and ask to speak to the psychologist for suggestions/referrals. I would call them even if he is not participating in the district yet.

How do you explain death to a 4 y/o

I am so sorry for your loss :(