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 Get Their Name: Coordinator's Guide by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book The Surprising Imagination of C. S. Lewis by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book The Road to Amazing by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book True When Whispered by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book Small Congregation, Big Potential by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book Jesus Apprentice by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book Sent Youth Study Book by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book A New Day in the City by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book The United Methodist Music & Worship Planner 2018-2019 CEB Edition by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book Alabadle! by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book Receiving God's Love by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book Being Brave by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book Five Stones by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book The Shadow of a Doubt by Joseph M. Primo
Cover of the book Slowing Time 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