As parents, we all want our children to be happy and carefree. However, sometimes our little ones can develop fears that are beyond our control. One East Palestine mother has recently shared her concerns about her 7-year-old daughter’s fear of mortality.
Mortality is a difficult concept for anyone to grasp, let alone a young child. The idea that we all have a limited amount of time on this earth can be overwhelming and scary. For this particular mother, her daughter’s fear of death began after she lost her great-grandmother earlier this year.
The mother shared that her daughter had never really been exposed to death before, and the loss of her great-grandmother was a shock to her system. She began asking questions about death and what happens after we die. The mother did her best to answer these questions honestly and age-appropriately, but it seemed to only fuel her daughter’s fears.
The little girl began having nightmares about death and dying, and she became obsessed with the idea that she or someone she loved could die at any moment. The mother tried to reassure her daughter that she was safe and healthy, but it didn’t seem to help.
This is a common issue that many parents face. It can be difficult to know how to help your child when they are struggling with something that you can’t fix. However, there are some things that you can do to help ease your child’s fears.
Firstly, it’s important to validate your child’s feelings. Let them know that it’s okay to be scared and that you understand why they feel the way they do. This can help them feel heard and supported.
Secondly, try to provide age-appropriate information about death and dying. It’s important not to sugarcoat things, but also not to overwhelm your child with too much information. Use simple language and answer their questions honestly.
Thirdly, try to create a sense of safety and security for your child. This could involve creating a bedtime routine that helps them feel calm and relaxed, or spending extra quality time with them during the day.
Finally, if your child’s fears are persistent and interfering with their daily life, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can work with your child to help them process their fears and develop coping strategies.
It’s important to remember that fears about mortality are normal and common in children. As parents, we can support our children through these fears by providing reassurance, information, and a sense of safety. With time and patience, our little ones can learn to navigate these difficult emotions and find peace in the present moment.
