The week's best parenting advice: November 23, 2021

Talking to children about death, pot use during pregnancy, and more

A mother and child.
(Image credit: Illustrated | iStock)

1. Talking to children about death

Death is a difficult topic to broach with children, but sometimes it can't and shouldn't be avoided, writes Sarah Ayoub in The Guardian. If someone the child knows has died, parents should resist the temptation not to tell them. Even in more difficult circumstances — say the sudden death of a close relative — leaning on euphemisms or metaphors ("went to sleep" or "passed away") can create confusion. Instead, parents should keep explanations "brief but honest," said pediatric psychologist Deirdre Brandner. Then parents should observe their child's reaction and "follow their lead," answering any questions that come up in the following weeks. Rituals such as creating memory books to remember the person, or planting their favorite flower, can aid the grieving process. Beyond that, Brandner says it's best to stick to the child's regular routine, as grieving children "need reassurance that their life will go on no matter what happens."

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Stephanie H. Murray

Stephanie H. Murray is a public policy researcher turned freelance writer.