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Impending death of a young cousin.

Torrie · 2013-08-25 10:47:35

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

25-08-2013 10:47am

#1

Torrie

Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3 ✭

Join Date: September 2012

Posts: 2

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

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Comments

#2 25-08-2013 12:18pm

banie01

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Join Date: June 2007

Posts: 16805

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

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#3 27-08-2013 3:17pm

DangerMouse27

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Posts: 622

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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