How do you tell your kids about the death of someone they know from tv?

Question

My kids (ages 5 and 3) know of Steve Irwin from the Wiggles. How/when/should I tell them about his death?

Answer 1

Don't lie to them. They need to know the truth before the hear it from someone else. It's a good life lesson to learn now before they lose someone closer to them. Wait until they are on down time. I would do it early in the day so they have some time to process before they go to bed. I would start off by saying that "I have some very sad news. Steve wasn't being very careful and had a bad accident and died." Depending on your beliefs, you may want to tell them that "heaven needed him to help with the animals."



Empathize with them about their loss. "I know you are feeling very (upset, sad, hurt) about this. Mommy's feel sad too." Give them lots of extra love and support. They will need to grieve.



There are several good children's books that talk about death. Lifetimes-Bryan Mellanie, I Miss You-Pat Thomas, I’ll Always Love You-Hans Wihelm are some of my favorites. They are great books that help young children understand about loss and grieving. You can find them on Amazon or your local book store or library. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

If they have no concept of death at their ages then i would explain to them what it entails.



People are born, and people die. Animals are born, and animals die. Its not frightning, its part of life.



They loved steve Irwin, but he died, and we feel sad about it, but that is okay. We can still love him even though he is gone, and watch him on tv because he left us those things to watch.



Maybe they can make a card to send to his family, since they also have kids about that age. Might help them deal with the loss themselves, if they realize others have lost even more.



I wouldnt bring it up though until they ask.

Answer 3

Holy crap he died? WOW.



I wouldnt tell them right away. They are still a tad bit too young. (I have a 5 and 3 year old also) Because of the wonders of video and reruns they wouldnt have to find out until they are "ready".



Unless you want to use this as a way to start finding out about death. Then just keep it simple...they will ask questions on what they dont understand. Just very very simple is the key.

Answer 4

I agree with you, people who children know from tv ARE indeed very real to them as if a friend.



We told our 3 year old that he had an accident while he was making a new movie and that he was no longer with us anymore.



And that was it. She didn't cry, faint, kick, or scream...truthfully she didn't appear phased in the least.



She's gone on about her day, awaiting her play date in an hour with some other children for their tea party.



So, just be frank. Be honest, but don't go giving "ever ending" details.

Answer 5

Maybe wait until they see it on TV, and then kind of have a discussion about it and how they feel. I don't know how attached they are to him, even I was a little upset by it. I don't think you should go into the details about it, but just explain he died doing what he love.

Answer 6

I understand how important that is. Explain that he played a character on TV, that he was a real live person who had a family, and did a variety of jobs. Explain how he died and that it was just a freak accident.

Answer 7

When I have bad news to tell, I wait until after dinner and after dessert. I usually mention it at the dinner table, or perhaps in the living room when everyone is together. You don't want to do it too close to bedtime. I'd let them know the whole story, and I'm sure there will be a program devoted to his life... something you can all watch and share together.

Answer 8

Don't tell them, they don't need to know at their age. Steve will still be on in reruns. If they somehow hear about it then I would explain to them that he went to heaven because God needed his help with the animals up there. I am so sad about his death myself.

Answer 9

How? You tell them he was in a terrible accident doing his dangerous job and he died. Also tell them what an important person he was and how much he loved animals and it's OK to be sad if they want to be.

Answer 10

Tell them slowly probably not the same day you hear the news.

My son is older(9) and i told him this morning,he was more understanding,he said `poor Steve,i hope he`s gone to heaven then off he ran off to tell his friend next door!

Answer 11

There was no reaction from my daughter when I told her. She just shrugged. Kids are pretty resilient when it comes to people on the tv screen vs grandma.

Answer 12

Dont. Most kids that age dont understand what death is anyway.There is no need for them to know.He is not someone they know in person...

Answer 13

Umm... it isn't like someone they dearly love died. So maybe just when it somes up tell them, you shhouldn't make such a big deal out off it!

Answer 14

Dont... after all there will be reruns... they'll find out eventually. you ask this like someone u kno died