Talking to Children About Suicide

Telling a child that someone they love has died is one of the hardest conversations a caregiver can face—but when the death is by suicide, the challenge becomes even more complex. Children process grief differently than adults, and they rely on the adults around them to help make sense of what’s happening in a way that feels safe and honest.

While the instinct may be to protect them from the painful truth, being open—while age-appropriate—can help build trust and prevent confusion or shame. It’s okay not to have all the answers; what matters most is creating space for the child to ask questions, share their feelings, and know they’re not alone.

Compassion, clarity, and reassurance are key when navigating this incredibly sensitive moment.

Here are some tips to get you started:

• Be honest and give children truthful information about a death by suicide
• Explain what’s happened in a series of steps, building up information like a jigsaw
• Be honest and consistent with your explanation of how that person died
• Use language children will understand and be comfortable with
• Encourage them ask questions and be prepared to answer them
• Share more information as a child gets older and their understanding develops

Source: Winston’s Wish

Resources

Talking to Children About A Suicide: A guide designed to help parents, guardians, and caregivers of children under 12 know how to speak with them when a suicide occurs in their family or community. It was developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, in consultation with experts and other stakeholders.

Talking to children and young people about suicide in the news: Explaining a death by suicide to a child can be one of the most difficult conversations a parent can have. Here is some advice from the experienced team at Winston’s Wish for anyone supporting a child or young person who may have been affected by recent media coverage.

Winston’s Wish: Winston’s Wish is a charity that helps children, teenagers and young adults (up to the age of 25) cope with grief.

Suicide Grief in Children and Adolescents: Information about children and grief.