Introduction
Preparing parents for the death of a terminally ill child is a subject that requires sensitivity and dignity. Whereas anticipatory grief for older patients such as parents or grandparents is relatively common, preparing for the death of a child can be significantly more impactful. Clear and honest communication is required to minimize grief and psychologically support the parents.
Communication With Parents About Death of a Child
To establish honest communication about death, the parent first needs to determine the five-year old’s perception and understanding of death. Additionally, according to the Kubler-Ross model, identifying the grief stage that the parents and child are at will help determine the level of care to be assigned to them (Gregory, 2022). Both parents should encourage their five-year-old to express their desires about how they want their passing to go and who they would want present at the end. These thoughts will help acclimatize the child to the situation and familiarize the parents as well with the emotions associated with the death. Furthermore, evidence-based interventions such as dignity therapy may improve their mental outlook on the approaching death by reminding them of the pleasurable times experienced with their child (Weir, 2017). Upholding the memory of such events preserves the child’s memory and may even help the parents face the oncoming days.
To maximize efficiency and reduce emotional outbursts, a grief counselor requires an experienced counselor and listener to consult. Essentially, an effective support system around a grief counselor will aid in making them better at delivering care to his consultants. Moreover, seeking guidance from experienced counselors or people who have lived through similar situations may prepare the counselor to deal with such sensitive topics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dealing with the grief of a child requires honest and accurate communication between the parents and the child about their feelings. The child’s understanding of death plays a crucial role since it determines how to communicate the topic sufficiently. Nonetheless, as a grief counselor, having a sound support system aids in perfecting one’s skills.
References
Gregory, C. (2022). Five Stages Of Grief – Understanding the Kubler-Ross Model. Psycom.net – Mental Health Treatment Resource Since 1996. Web.
Weir, K. (2017). How psychologists can bring their expertise to end-of-life care. Pharmacy Today, 48(10), 36. Web.