My seven year old is afraid of death and wants to know for sure heaven is real and how to get there. I need the right words to answer these questions.

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Myrtlene asks:

In Topics: My child's growth and development, Communicating with my child (The tough talks)

> 60 days ago

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Expert

Wayne Yankus

Oct 3, 2012

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What the Expert Says:

Dear Myrtlene:

Children at this age continue to have "magical thinking" and it often drives their fantasies. That is to say, they believe adults but also start to doubt them and ask for proof. they really want assurance. Be honest. We all die but not for a very long long time. You will not be alone--your parents will be here. whatever your perception of heaven, spell it out in short words and reassure him he will make it. You have the words speak from your heart but be simple not complex.

Wayne Yankus, MD, FAAP
expert panelist: pediatrics

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Additional Answers (3)

Kristinkgr writes:

Your child will be put to ease when you share what you believe. Whatever that is, you are the model of what your child wants to grow up to be, and at this stage in development, attaching to your ideals is what any young child will do. Keep your answer simple. Keep the dialog open for your child to ask questions. You may find that you have to repeat the main idea a few times. What a privilege to hear such deep questions about life from your child and help them develop a coping mechanism for this elemental question. You're so fortunate.

> 60 days ago

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justify , Student writes:

tell her that heaven is real, jesus is coming soon 2 take his people to a paradise named heaven where is eternal life n plenty of goodies and also if she want to have eternal life she must repent and be saved.

> 60 days ago

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Sivasubrama... writes:

The seed is put in his mind strongly by someone to whom he blindly trusts. You need to know the person or source, later influence him with creative stories as well as his choice of activities to draw his attention. It must be vigorous in efforts. Gradual improvement will be seen.

> 60 days ago

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