Dr Mary Fleck

Talking to Kids about Death & Dying Dr Mary Fleck

Death is universal, and it is inevitable. We are exposed to death through various media on a daily basis. Yet death is a subject most people avoid. We hide behind euphemisms, change the subject quickly, or ignore the topic altogether. We don't know what to say or how to act around those who have experienced the death of a person who was significant in their life. We are a culture that lacks the capacity to have competent conversations about death, loss and grief, and as a result, we are unsure of how to provide support to those who are grieving, especially children. This book comprises three sections. The first section poses often asked questions and offers guidance for those seeking to understand how to engage with a grieving child. The second section details activities designed to encourage a grieving child to think their thoughts, feel their feelings, share their memories, and develop their coping skills. The final section provides a discussion guide for "What Do We Tell the Children: Talking to Kids About Death and Dying" and is intended for parents, educators and other professionals who wish to think more deeply about this topic.