Chapter 5: The 4 C's

Could I have cured it?



If I’d behaved better and wasn’t so hard to take care of, daddy would’ve come home from the hospital.

If I’d kept my promise that I wouldn’t fight with her anymore, mom’s heart condition would have been cured.

Children often worry that they could have somehow prevented the person from dying. Reassure them that the illness and death are beyond their control, and nothing could be done to cure or prevent it. 

Provide them opportunities to talk through their feelings and thoughts without judgements or platitudes such as "He’s in a better place now" or "You’re strong, you’ll get over this."