Talk to Kids About Death Guide

I need to talk to my child about: death.

Child's age: [AGE]
What prompted this: [DESCRIBE — something happened, they asked, or being proactive]
My concern: [saying wrong thing / their reaction / my own emotions]
What they already know: [NOTHING / A LITTLE / QUITE A BIT]

Help me have this conversation:
1. **What children at this age understand** — developmental context
2. **How to open it** — the exact first sentence
3. **Age-appropriate language** — what to say and how
4. **Questions they might ask** — with honest answers
5. **What NOT to say** — phrases that confuse or frighten
6. **Following up** — keeping the conversation going over time

I need to talk to my child about: death.

Child's age: [AGE]
What prompted this: [DESCRIBE — something happened, they asked, or being proactive]
My concern: [saying wrong thing / their reaction / my own emotions]
What they already know: [NOTHING / A LITTLE / QUITE A BIT]

Help me have this conversation:
1. **What children at this age understand** — developmental context
2. **How to open it** — the exact first sentence
3. **Age-appropriate language** — what to say and how
4. **Questions they might ask** — with honest answers
5. **What NOT to say** — phrases that confuse or frighten
6. **Following up** — keeping the conversation going over time