This blog continues with ideas adults need to keep in mind as they interact with and support children who are grieving.
Avoid Euphemisms: Speak plainly about death, avoiding vague or confusing language. There are many words that people use in talking about grief. Children may not understand euphemisms like “passed” or “gone to a better place.” Instead, use clear and direct language to ensure they grasp the reality of the situation. If a care provider uses the term “passed” for death, a child may think the person passed a location or passed a test. If someone tells a child a person was lost, the child may literally think the person was misplaced and cannot be located.
We use euphemisms to soften the harshness of death. Since many people don’t talk about death and dying, using accurate terminology may seem like an unnecessary frankness. However, as I mentioned, being indirect can confuse children when they most need to understand, as is developmentally appropriate, the reality of the situation.