A death due to suicide can be especially hard to for a child to understand. The following suggestions can be useful to parents and caregivers in preparing to tell children about a suicide death and helping them to grieve in healthy and healing ways.

Honoring Thoughts and Feelings

It can be helpful to let children know that it is common for people to have many different feelings after a suicide death and that it is okay to express them, whatever they may be:

“It’s okay to have strong feelings about how _____ died. It’s normal to feel confused, angry, sad, or even embarrassed after someone dies by suicide”.

Some children may believe they are to blame for the death. If you think that your child is experiencing guilt or somehow feels they are responsible for the death, it can help to directly tell them that it is NOT their fault.

Children Usually Sense the Truth

SHOULD I tell them the truth?
HOW do I tell them?
WHEN should I tell them?

Although caregivers may find it difficult to have these conversations, it is often helpful to be open and honest with children to avoid any misunderstanding and confusion surrounding the death.

By giving children truthful, age-appropriate information about a suicide death, caregivers can help their children to grieve and maintain open communication if questions arise. Sometimes information may not be appropriate to share with young kids. Here is a statement that might be helpful—

“Sometimes, information is “grown-up information”. I will tell you at a later time but I am always here to listen.”

Sometimes caregivers withhold or give false information initially and don’t know how to correct it. Be honest, everyone makes mistakes!

“I wasn’t sure what to say to you and made the wrong decision. I’d like to start over.

Explaining Possible Ways of HOW it Happened

After giving basic information about how the person died, it is helpful to let your child ask questions and guide the conversation. Children often ask only what they are ready to hear. They may want to revisit a conversation as they mature, or they may be ready to hear new information.

It is helpful to let your child know that you are open to hearing any questions they may have, whenever they may have them:

“I am here to answer any questions you have about how ______ died. I may not have all of the answers, but I will always do my best to be honest and share what I do know”.

“I don’t know, but I wish I knew the answer too”.

Remember that the behaviors you show toward your child can be just as powerful as the words you use. Making good eye contact, holding their hand, hugging, and simply listening can go a long way towards helping your child feel understood, comforted, and protected.

Your Role as Parent/Caregiver

Your job as a caregiver is not to completely take away your child’s pain. Instead, your role is to help them to share their thoughts or feelings so that they feel understood and safe.

“No matter what you’re feeling, it often helps to talk about it. I want you to know I’m here to listen whenever you need me”.

It is okay for you to express your emotions in front of your child. Allowing your child to see you feeling sad, mad or even crying helps to normalize all feelings.

“Sometimes I may get upset when we talk about ____. But it is normal to feel sad and cry.”

Many caregivers are often so focused on caring for their children after a death that they forget to care for themselves.

Remember that the care you may need (including support from family, friends, and/or a therapist) is just as important as caring for your child and can also model good self-care.