Table Talk with Grieving Kids

The year after the death of one of my neighbours in ranching country south of Calgary, his family trekked up the hill where Bob’s ashes had been placed under a large boulder (it’s handy having big tractors on a ranch). As the adults shared memories of his life, and said comments like “Dad, you always took care of us.” 5 year old Josh was becoming increasingly agitated.

Confused about what was going on, he finally asked his mom “Where’s Granddad?” 

She told him that his grandfather was under the boulder. Suddenly Josh yelled, very loudly, “Hey, if Granddad’s under that rock, somebody better get him out before he dies!”

Thanks, Josh.

Talking with grieving friends and neighbours can be an unnerving endeavor : what to say; what to avoid; will I help or make things worse; how much will they understand?  Sometimes, when we take  baking, or other dishes to a bereaved family, we find a grieving kid or teen in the house as well. Yikes. Table talk with grieving kids.

There are many simple things that you can do to feel more comfortable talking with  grieving kids. If you would like some ideas, check out my current "Ed in Grief" blog at edingrief.blogspot.ca .

 

The article is based on one of the topics I cover in my upcoming online course " Walking and Talking with Kids about Death and Dying." You can find more information about this 3 week course, starting on May 10^th, at Life and Death Matters online  programs.ldmonline.ca

In the Meantime what suggestions or hints have you found helpful when you're talking with grieving kids or adults? Heartwarming stories?

Take care!

Wendy