When we lose somebody who is very dear to us we all have to find a way to deal with it in a manner that it does not end up consuming us whole.
If it is this difficult for adults who know that these things happen and they have seen them happen then how much so more difficult must it be for a young child? If such a loss unfortunately happens around your young loved ones, you will have to tread carefully to make sure you do not aggravate the situation any further.
The first thing you have to do is to make sure that they understand fully what has happened and the only way to do that is to be direct with them.
Do not make a mistake like a lot of guardians do of telling the child that their loved one is just taking a nap for a long time.
This will keep them waiting for the day they will rise.
Furthermore, do not go the route of telling them that God has pulled their loved one up to heaven.
The child may begin to look at God as somebody selfish who has to take our loved ones away.
Despite the fact that you have to make sure that they fully understand, you have to make sure that you keep your explanation a very simple one so that it does not become overwhelming.
The next thing you need to do is to try and make sure that the routines that they are so used to are not suddenly ceased just because of the death.
Do all that you can to make sure that it remains somewhat the same as it was even though it really isn't.
Do not let them have to conceal their emotions if they want to let them out.
If they want to wail and cry let them do it and in fact encourage it.
Do not keep brushing them away if they are trying to get close to you to tell you about how they feel or how they are fairing on.
Always be there for them especially on those times that spark the most memories about the loved one who has passed away.
Last but not least you should get a hold of yourself as well.
Do not lose your temper at them or be mean even years later when they begin crying because of this loved one.