A boy in our Jr. High School committed suicide this week. The school sent home a quick paragraph about him passing away "unexpectedly at home", but soon the word got out. I found myself sitting in front of the computer reading the Facebook page set up for him wishing it had been a drug overdose, or a gun accident...anything but this deliberate act.
I wondered how or if I should address it with my boys (9, 10, and 13 years old) and hated the thought of explaining something the little boys never even heard of. I dreaded discussing it with my 13 year old for fear of giving him any ideas.
As a parent, how do you explain when your child looks at you and says "Why did he do that, mom?" How do you emphasize that nothing could ever be that bad, that this is never the right decision?
A friend of mine debated about taking his kids, who knew the boy, to the funeral. He reasoned that teens often feel that no one cares about them and that seeing all the sad family and friends will drive home the point that more people care than they might think.
It's Feedback Friday...
When faced with this kind of tragedy, do you broach the subject with your kids or do you wait until they ask?
What details about the death are appropriate to include when discussing it with kids?
Is it better for a 9 year old to remain oblivious?
Under what circumstances would you consider taking your kids to the funeral?
What details about the death are appropriate to include when discussing it with kids?
Is it better for a 9 year old to remain oblivious?
Under what circumstances would you consider taking your kids to the funeral?
