How to Tell a 4 yr old his daddy has died??
- Thread starter Junebug1
- Start date
sockgirl77
Well-Known Member
Ouch. I have no advice to offer but would like to send hugs to you and your family. Poor baby. 
dn0121
New Member
Well first off so sorry for your loss. It is important for the child to understand that he is not coming back. That he knows he is not on a trip and it is permanent. Also if the father died from sickness it will probably come up that he is worried he could die from it also. He should see others being sad and know it is ok to cry. Allowing him to be sad is important but also overtime showing him pictures and talking about his father and his feelings will help. He should be allowed to attend the funeral if he wants to, but shouldn't be forced.
twinoaks207
Having Fun!
some resources that might help:
NNCC Helping Children Understand Death
Talking To Children About Death
Young Children's Understanding of Death, HYG-5165-96
So sorry for your family's loss -- thoughts and prayers going out to you all.
NNCC Helping Children Understand Death
Talking To Children About Death
Young Children's Understanding of Death, HYG-5165-96
So sorry for your family's loss -- thoughts and prayers going out to you all.
lips_sealed
i love a man's forearms
Im sorry for you and your grandsons loss.
pebbles
Member
I do there are books out there worded so a child can understand. 15 years ago my 5 year old cousin lost his daddy due to a car accident. It was very hard for him to understand but there was a book that we read to him a lot & it helped him. I'm sorry I can't remember the name of it now.
My thoughts & prayers are with you & yours
My thoughts & prayers are with you & yours
belvak
Happy Camper
You might want to check with his pediatrician. They may have some advice.
river rat
BUCKING GOAT
I have no experience. Sorry.
I'm assuming his mother is still present in his life and that she will be supported and strong also. (After re-reading your post, it appears she may not be)
Find peace for yourself also.
I think this will be a key factor in his recovery.
I am deeply saddened by your loss and hope your family is woven stronger from this tradegy.
I'm assuming his mother is still present in his life and that she will be supported and strong also. (After re-reading your post, it appears she may not be)
Find peace for yourself also.
I think this will be a key factor in his recovery.
I am deeply saddened by your loss and hope your family is woven stronger from this tradegy.
Last edited:
red_explorer
Well-Known Member
Depending on what county you are in, contact your Hospice Chapter. They are wonderful about helping people of all ages deal with death and grief, and can help you talk to your grandson. Calvert Hospice actually has some books on dealing with grief and children, and runs a camp for kids, during the summer, to help them deal.
If you don't mind us asking, what are the circumstances around his death?
lips_sealed
i love a man's forearms
check out the front page of somd.com On 7 Apr, a grief support group for children starts. They may be able to help.
millertc
New Member
I am so sorry for your loss.
My son's classmate was also 4 when her Dad passed earlier this year. He died at home, in his sleep, from a heart attack. The doctor told her Mom not to tell her that he was sick and not to tell her that he died in his sleep. Reason being, when the girl would become sick or go to sleep (or when anyone close to her as well) he said she may think she would/they would die like her Dad. They ended up telling her that something in Daddy was broken and that he went to Heaven. They also told her that even though Daddy was no longer here, that he loved her very much.
My son's classmate was also 4 when her Dad passed earlier this year. He died at home, in his sleep, from a heart attack. The doctor told her Mom not to tell her that he was sick and not to tell her that he died in his sleep. Reason being, when the girl would become sick or go to sleep (or when anyone close to her as well) he said she may think she would/they would die like her Dad. They ended up telling her that something in Daddy was broken and that he went to Heaven. They also told her that even though Daddy was no longer here, that he loved her very much.