When someone we love dies.
One of the hardest things to explain, and one where plain, honest, gentle words help far more than soft ones that confuse.
Social story
Saying Goodbye
Someone I love has died.
Died means their body stopped working and cannot start again.
It is not because of anything I did. I could not have stopped it.
They are not coming back. That is a very sad thing.
It is okay to feel sad, or angry, or nothing at all yet. All of those are okay.
I can remember them and talk about them. The people who love me are still here, and I am safe.
More ways to help with a loss
What to expect
For literal-thinking kids, soft phrases like 'passed away' or 'went to sleep' can confuse or frighten. Gentle, plain, honest words, and permission to feel however they feel, help more. There is no wrong way to grieve.
One tip from a dad who's been there
Use the real words, gently: 'died,' 'their body stopped working.' Avoid 'sleeping' or 'lost,' which a literal child takes literally. Let big feelings, or no feelings yet, both be okay. Grief comes in waves.
