Skip to main content

Helping Children Deal with Suicide

  • It is important to be honest with your children. Give the correct information in a loving, compassionate way.
  • The explanation should be clear and direct. Be careful not to over explain.
  • Listen carefully. Answer their questions truthfully and be consistent in telling the truth.
  • Talk about the deceased family member.
  • Discuss better ways than suicide to handle problems.
  • Tell all your children – even the younger ones.
  • Encourage children to share their grief with those at home and with trusted persons outside the family.
  • Teach your children to be selective about who they tell the story of suicide.
  • You can help your children grieve by letting them see your tears, by crying with them, and by letting them know that it’s okay to be upset.
  • Have a positive attitude toward your children.
  • Be aware of your children’s possible feelings of guilt. Assure them that it wasn’t their fault.
  • Children need to know that suicide is an individual matter. Even if family members do it, they can still choose not to commit suicide.
  • Children may experience all of the many emotions and phases of grief.
Back to top