General Discussion Questions:

• Do you think our society is open enough about death? Why or why not?

• Do you think it would be easier to deal with a sudden death of someone you love, or with losing that person after a long illness?

• Do you think that dealing with death gets easier as you get older?

Discussion Questions Following a Death:

• What have you been feeling or experiencing since he/she died?

• Are you angry at anyone or anything?

• Are you afraid of anything, like that someone else is going to die? Are you afraid that you are going to die?

• Do you somehow feel guilty or blame yourself for this death?

• Can we talk about positive and creative ways to express your grief? Is there something we can do together to help us both express how we feel?

• Are there any specific questions you want to ask me about his/her death?

• Do you feel better when we talk, or when you deal with your feelings by yourself?

• Do you think it might help to talk to a counselor or therapist?

• Do you think it might help to talk to kids your age who are going through the same thing, like at a grief group or group counseling session?

• Do you want to talk about the family’s religious beliefs? Do you think it would help to talk to someone from our place of worship?

• Do you want to ask me questions about how our family is going to cope without him/her?

Remember:

• Let your child know that expressions of grief -- letting it out -- are helpful and appropriate.

• Your child’s questions, whatever they may be, are also appropriate, and he/she deserves honest answers.

• It’s okay to admit that you don’t have all the answers.