What Do We Tell the Children?

Talking to Kids About Death and Dying

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Christianity, Church, Pastoral Ministry, Christian Life
Cover of the book What Do We Tell the Children? by Joseph M. Primo, Abingdon Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Joseph M. Primo ISBN: 9781426775154
Publisher: Abingdon Press Publication: September 17, 2013
Imprint: Abingdon Press Language: English
Author: Joseph M. Primo
ISBN: 9781426775154
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Publication: September 17, 2013
Imprint: Abingdon Press
Language: English

One out of seven children will lose a parent before they are 20. The statistics are sobering, but they are also a call for preparedness. However, pastors and counselors of all types are often at a loss when dealing with a grieving child. Talking to adults about death and grief is difficult; it's all the more challenging to talk to children and teens. The stakes are high: grieving children are high-risk for substance abuse, promiscuity, depression, isolation, and suicide. Yet, despite this, most of these kids grow up to be normal or exceptional adults. But their chance to become healthy adults increases with the support of a loving community. Supporting grieving children requires intentionality, open communication, and patience. Rather than avoid all conversations on death or pretend like it never happened, normalizing grief and offering support requires us to be in-tune with kids through dialogue as they grapple with questions of “how” and “why.” When listening to children in grief, we often have to embrace the mystery, offer love and compassion, and stick with the basics. The author says, "We don’t have to answer the why and how for them, but we can assure our children that God is with us as we suffer. We can do so by doing good for others and pointing out all of those moments when someone has done something good for us. I believe that most of the time that’s as far as we will get, and that is okay."

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

One out of seven children will lose a parent before they are 20. The statistics are sobering, but they are also a call for preparedness. However, pastors and counselors of all types are often at a loss when dealing with a grieving child. Talking to adults about death and grief is difficult; it's all the more challenging to talk to children and teens. The stakes are high: grieving children are high-risk for substance abuse, promiscuity, depression, isolation, and suicide. Yet, despite this, most of these kids grow up to be normal or exceptional adults. But their chance to become healthy adults increases with the support of a loving community. Supporting grieving children requires intentionality, open communication, and patience. Rather than avoid all conversations on death or pretend like it never happened, normalizing grief and offering support requires us to be in-tune with kids through dialogue as they grapple with questions of “how” and “why.” When listening to children in grief, we often have to embrace the mystery, offer love and compassion, and stick with the basics. The author says, "We don’t have to answer the why and how for them, but we can assure our children that God is with us as we suffer. We can do so by doing good for others and pointing out all of those moments when someone has done something good for us. I believe that most of the time that’s as far as we will get, and that is okay."

More books from Abingdon Press

Cover of the book Reaching for Wonder by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book Resident Aliens by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book Mornings with Bonhoeffer by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book A Woman's Place Leader Guide by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book Higher Power by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book The Choir Member's Companion by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book Dare to Dream Youth Edition by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book It Looks A Lot Like Easter by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book The Apocalyptic Literature by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book Pastor: Revised Edition by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book 40 Days with Wesley by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book Never Alone - Women's Bible Study Leader Guide by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book Slowing Time by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book Altars for Everyone by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book Converge Bible Studies: Sharing the Gospel by Joseph M. Primo
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy