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Impending death of a young cousin.

  • 25-08-2013 11:47am
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 3


    Hi

    My nephew is terminally ill and I've a young child (three and a half) who gets on very well with him. We're not sure how to broach the subject with him when the time does come. its such a difficult time for everyone, and i can't imagine how it will be for a child so young. Can anyone offer any advice?


    Thanks


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,985 ✭✭✭✭banie01


    Torrie,
    I'm sorry for your upcoming bereavement, and for the pain that is coming down the road for you and your family.
    With regards to how to tell your child, there have been a few threads where this has been discussed and I'll link them below.
    The important thing in my experience, is to explain everything as honestly and clearly as possible to your child, answer their questions honestly and use this terrible event as an opportunity to help teach your child.

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056801841
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056468874


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭DangerMouse27


    Three and a half is incredibly young to have to deal with a pre event talk.

    Just be there for him as a mother, comfort him and keep him close by. Encourage him to ask questions and answer them as honestly as you can.

    Using key words in the days or weeks before can aid things in the aftermath. Reminding him how sick your nephew is in the days before a death can often lessen the blow he may feel after a death has occured.

    Best of luck Op. For whichever particular illness that he suffers from, there is generally support groups out there and these may be the best places to find your answers from.
    For a child that is terminally ill, his primary caregivers may be the best people to ask for some more advice.


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