S2E41 – When Someone Dies: What to Say to Your Child and How to Say It

Apr 17, 2025

In this episode, I talk about how to have honest, age-appropriate conversations with your child when a death occurs—especially when it’s sudden and unexpected. I walk through how to talk to children in a way that gives them truth without overwhelming them, and why sparing them from information often does more harm than good.

I also explain how grief looks different in children than in adults, how developmental stages impact the grieving process over time, and how to support your child through those recurring waves. I share practical suggestions for closure, guidance on when to seek therapy, and how to respond neutrally to tough questions so your child feels safe continuing the conversation.

Episode References:
How to be truthful with your kids, even when the truth is hard!
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/how-to-be-truthful-with-your-kids-even-when-the-truth-is-hard/

Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: [email protected]
Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/
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My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/

Common Play Therapy References:
Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley.
VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press.
Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.
Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group.
Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.

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