Last night Jonny asked me if we got the house sold and bought a new house if Jarrett could come back. I HATE that I have to explain to my 3 year old how death works and that his brother can never come home!
Be gentle, a three year old won\'t be able to understand fully. I don\'t have to tell you this. If it were me, I would say that Jarrett went home to be with God, that many people do that every day, but that HE doesn\'t have to worry about it because he has a very long life ahead of him.
I think Johnny needs to feel safe and loved. Depending on your faith, explain to him that Jarrett is in a wonderful place and perhaps tell him that he will see him again but not for a very long time and that you miss him very much.
It is so hard to explain such things to children. I think we need to be as honest as we can.
Hugs, Marlene
I hate it too darling! I\'m so sorry. I know there are some wonderful books to help with this horribly painful situation, but at the moment I can\'t think of them. I will try to get some info and will let you know...I think AnnM had some suggestions posted at one time. I can\'t imagine how hard this is for you, and for sweet Jonny too. Sending love and tight hugs, Teri.
I can only imagine your heartbreak with this. Play therapy can be very helpful for little ones so does he like to color and can he begin to draw to express some of these feelings as well? The Next Place is a beautiful picture book appropriate for all ages and I think it might be one you may want to have to help Jonny with his grief. Gentle care to you my friend and to your sweet family. With love, Joanie
Replies
Be gentle, a three year old won\'t be able to understand fully. I don\'t have to tell you this. If it were me, I would say that Jarrett went home to be with God, that many people do that every day, but that HE doesn\'t have to worry about it because he has a very long life ahead of him.
I think Johnny needs to feel safe and loved. Depending on your faith, explain to him that Jarrett is in a wonderful place and perhaps tell him that he will see him again but not for a very long time and that you miss him very much.
It is so hard to explain such things to children. I think we need to be as honest as we can.
Hugs, Marlene
I hate it too darling! I\'m so sorry. I know there are some wonderful books to help with this horribly painful situation, but at the moment I can\'t think of them. I will try to get some info and will let you know...I think AnnM had some suggestions posted at one time. I can\'t imagine how hard this is for you, and for sweet Jonny too. Sending love and tight hugs, Teri.
I can only imagine your heartbreak with this. Play therapy can be very helpful for little ones so does he like to color and can he begin to draw to express some of these feelings as well? The Next Place is a beautiful picture book appropriate for all ages and I think it might be one you may want to have to help Jonny with his grief. Gentle care to you my friend and to your sweet family. With love, Joanie
{{{HUGS}}}
It is hard for us to understand...it is very difficult for the children. Gentle hugs...Karen
It has to be so hard to try to explain it to him. He is so young, but maybe books will help. Sending you a special hug....Love, Kim