COPING WITH DEATH OF LOVED ONE

My seven year old son has not had any experience with the loss of a loved one. Recently my Aunt who was very close to my son passed away. How should I present him with information of her death?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

The best strategy is to be brief, clear and to the point. He will likely not need a great volume of information. Rather, the crucial aspect will be to keep an ear open for his reaction and to be avaialble to him to answer questions, talk about his aunt, reminisce with him, look at pictures of her, participate in services if any are scheduled.