How to understand the grief of death for a 9 year old

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

How about 'some people get old and sick and die, some people that are younger and get sick and die. XXXXX was very unhappy and drank lots of alcohol a lot of the time. That has made him so ill that his body isn't working properly anymore and he is going to die. It's very sad, most people that drink don't make themselves ill from it, but some do.'

And you can explain that the funny colour he's gone shows how sick he is, because it means his liver isn't working anymore because too much alcohol over a long time stops it working. And some people ask for help and they learn to cope without alcohol, but not everyone can.



I wouldn't go into one on the dangers/evils of drink, but be matter of fact and acknowledge that, basically, some people are so unhappy that they can't stop doing it. They're not bad people, it's an illness that hurts them and the people who love them.

marisco_2

I am sorry to hear of your news. Children can be very resillient and I hope your son will not be overly affected by the loss of his god father. I wouldn't make too much of the alcohol issues associated to this mans passing. Just handle any questions that come up as honestly as possible.