Tees Valley & Durham Area
Cruse Bereavement Care
Support and Resource Centre

Children's Page

Children may want to know the answer to lots of questions when there is a death in the family. Here are a few of the questions that are commonly asked...

Why do people die?

It is a natural thing that happens. All living things die eventually, plants, animals and people.

Why can't we stop people from dying?

Doctors often can. Illnesses that would have killed people years ago can now be cured. Most people who go to hospital come out better. Sometimes when there are a lot of things wrong or parts of the body wear out, despite the best efforts of the doctors and nurses, people die.

How long will I live?

Probably a very long time. If you look around there are lots of old people. We all have to die at some time and as you get older you worry less about it. Most old people are very happy.

Will I ever feel any better?

It is only natural to feel sad and to hurt when someone you love dies, everyone does. You must believe me when I tell you that every day you will feel a little better. You will always miss them but it won't hurt in the same way. Talking about how you feel might help to make you feel better.

Why do we have a funeral?

To give everyone who loved them a chance to come together to share their sadness and to remember all the good things about the person who died.

If you have any more questions, we can help but you must keep asking questions until you feel that you understand.

Useful link

RD4U - Information about the Youth Involvement Project and Cruse Bereavement Care.