Talking to Grandchildren about their Aging Grandparents
As adults, we see the slow progression into older adulthood that our parents and other relatives undergo, and while that doesn’t necessarily diminish the grief we feel as their independence is compromised, they struggle with illness, and face their mortality; it does increase our knowledge and awareness. A senior’s young grandchildren, on the other hand, may lack awareness regarding the aging process their grandparent has undergone, so when a serious illness or even death occurs, they may be caught off guard.
While parents and grandparents may feel the need to protect grandchildren, arming them with information and encouraging them to communicate about aging and the struggles faced by their grandparents, will better prepare them emotionally should a medical emergency or death occur. As the grandparent faces issues with aging explain, in terms and detail appropriate to the child’s age, what aging issues the grandparent is facing and allow them to ask questions and talk about how they feel. If the grandparent passes away, remember to keep positive memories in the child’s life to help with the grief process; have them share fond memories of being with their grandparent, have them draw pictures to represent their feelings; while still remembering that everyone deals with grief in their own way. Just because a grandchild is young doesn’t mean that they won’t become angry, depressed, or resentful due to the loss of their beloved grandparent; but do enlist professional help if the grandchild seems to be struggling to appropriately cope with the loss.
Sources:
1. Associated Content (R.M. Dubuc)
2. AARP
Image Source: pro.corbis.com
