"My daughter talks about death these days"

QUERY: My 7-year-old daughter talks a lot about deaths these days. She suddenly starts crying thinking we all will die. How can I counsel her?
RESPONSE :
It is a normal phenomenon for children to have some specific fears at different points in their childhood. As your child grows and is exposed to sources to learn more about the world, certain things definitely becomes frightening and confusing at the same time. However, you need not worry about this and understand that this and such similar fears usually disappear on their own as your daughter further expands her experiences of life. Moreover, it’s common for children of your daughter’s age to start having fears and curiosity about death and dying, as they develop these feelings for themselves and/or for other people close to her in the immediate family and within the friend circle.

What can you do?
• Be receptive to her concerns and queries, try resolve them for her. • Be patient, comforting and reassuring.
• Be careful not to criticize or minimize her fears
• Try and avoid discussions related to the current situation
• Have positive conversations as much possible in front of her
• Indulge her in some creative and physical activities
• Ask her to list down the activities that she wishes to accomplish in the coming days
• Ensure a healthy balance in her daily schedule with a scheduled time for regular naps, meals, playtime, learning time etc.
• Try to keep your daughter connected with her friends and loved ones on a daily basis
• Indulge her in activities where the whole family can participate and enjoy as it will help her staying connected positively
• Keep checking on your children about their feelings and emotions and maintain a structured routine
• In case you are unable to soothe her, consider consulting an expert for correct diagnosis and treatment to be followed

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