
Things To Never Say When Explaining Death To A Child
We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Start Slideshow

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“It’s been a month since Mommy died, stop your whining about it.”

Most psychologists recommend at least 60 days before chastising your child for grieving.
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“The best part is seeing the light drain from their eyes.”

Let children form their own opinions on the most satisfying part of killing a man.
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“Shut up and keep digging.”

There are always a million distractions when there’s a death in the family, but it’s important to still make time for the child who’s helping you dig the hole.
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“Grandpa’s soul is in heaven now.”

It may seem comforting, but if your child gets to heaven and doesn’t see Grandpa, they’ll have trust issues for the rest of their afterlife.
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“This opening sequence from Saving Private Ryan should answer most of your questions.”

If nothing else, it’ll pause the questions for a good 10 minutes.
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“Your mom is great in the sack.”

Sure, they’ll immediately want to stop talking, but it doesn’t solve the death thing.
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“Here’s an Xbox!”

Death = presents? Who’s next?
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“This is exactly what happens when you don’t eat your vegetables.”

The FDA advises against using death to reinforce nutrition.
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“Avenge me.”

That’s a lot of pressure to put on a kid. Instead, say, “Try to avenge me.”
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“The insurance company did everything they could.”

Experts say it’s better to just be honest with your kid.
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“Don’t worry, they make coffins in your size.”

Not the time to make your kids feel included.
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“When you die, your dog immediately forgets you.”

Never tell a child that their beloved pup will simply attach itself to whoever starts feeding it next.
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“There are actually fates worse than death.”

You can’t ease a child’s anxiety by reminding them they could be imprisoned in their own bodies, alive and conscious but unable to move, see, hear, or speak.
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“Ghosts and zombies have to come from somewhere.”

While good information, your child likely wasn’t asking about the origins of the kinds of monsters they have nightmares about.
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“Grandma’s in a much, much worse place now”

Actually, nobody’s ever said this to a kid before. Try it and let us know how it goes?
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“You will die too, someday, whereas I will live forever.”

Nobody likes a bragger.
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“Grandma’s not dead! She’s dancing!”

Talking about death is difficult but that’s no excuse for an elaborate series of wires and pulleys used to puppet your dead mother-in-law
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“You call that a grave?”

Preparing a burial with your child can be a better bonding experience if you don’t critique their shoveling technique.
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“It’s like going to sleep but you just never wake up.”

Way to turn bedtime into a fucking minefield.
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“They’re in a better place now, a permanent end to consciousness.”

You’re supposed to name some fake place they go, like heaven.
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide
“You could be next.”

Most children survive to adulthood. Say that instead.
Advertisement