The parents may decide to let the child see the dead relative. If the child does want to, someone should take him or her into the room and only stay long enough for the child to see how peaceful the person looks in death. If the child does not want to see the body, the family must respect that decision.
The parent may explain carefully and simply to the child what happens between the death of the relative and the funeral. A young child cannot understand a funeral or cremation service, so it is probably wise to leave the child with a close friend during the service. An older child may want to take part in this important family occasion.
Parents may be confused by the child’s reaction to bereavement. The child may seem indifferent or aggressive or may seem grief-stricken or guilty. The parents must encourage the child to discuss his or her feelings. The child must be reassured that these feelings are not unusual, but that they become unreasonable if taken to extremes.
The child soon learns that the sadness is made easier by sharing the emotion with the family. As time passes, the grief becomes less acute, and the child gains a better understanding of the concept of death.
