Discussing death with young children

@jccjr5 (62)
United States
September 19, 2008 11:24am CST
Unfortunately this is not a very happy discussion, but I would love to know what other parents opinions are on this matter. I have three children 6, 4, and 3. My mother has been suffering from ALS for over 4 years now and I believe there is not much time left. My concern is mostly for my 6 year old daughter, she is very emotional as most young girls are at this age. She knows that Grandma is sick, she has seen the progression from the very beginning. I don't believe that she knows that it is resulting in death. I am torn as to whether or not to tell her. I have some people telling me that I should to lessen the blow and allow her to say goodbye in her own way. The only thing I am afraid of is I want her to enjoy the remaining time and am afraid if I tell her, every time she goes to see Grandma she will be thinking about her dying. I would love to know if anybody has had a similar experience or what your opinions are. Thank you!
2 people like this
3 responses
@rekcart83 (149)
• Philippines
20 Sep 08
I don't think you should discuss it about her yet. Just let her visit her grandma the way she always does. I think it's better that way for both her and her grandma. Cause if you tell her about her grandma dying then she suddenly might change her attitude in front of her grandma or decides never to visit her at all and it will be really not good for her grandma not seeing her granddaughter in her remaining days.
@jccjr5 (62)
• United States
22 Sep 08
You are absolutely right, my daughter definately needs to spend as much time with my Mom as possible. That is one of my fears that she will not want to go see her anymore. Thank you so much for replying.
@rizzu87 (860)
• Malaysia
19 Sep 08
Firstly I felt really bad hearing about your mom. God give her a long life. I think you should not tell her about her grandma. She is still very young and in this age children start thinking a lot of things in her mind. You should only tell her that Grandma is sick and keep her visiting her grandma regularly so she may spend most of her time with Grandma.
@jccjr5 (62)
• United States
22 Sep 08
Thank you for your comment. You are right, kids this age do have very active imaginations and that is a reason that I am afraid to tell her. I want her to enjoy Grandma and not think about her dying every time she sees her.
• China
20 Sep 08
I had suffered something as well. The sadness can never be neglected easily. Someone you love, someone you wanna be together forever.But the one Left,left forever and suddenly.