Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

*Content warning: mature themes - listener discretion advised* How do you talk to your kids when they are touched by the profound loss of a loved one through a suicide? These hard conversations must be had openly with your children - with kindness, compassion, and empathy. Your job is NOT to tell them everything, but to answer their questions honestly, in an age-appropriate way.  Topics in this episode: Protecting children from pain Limited evidence for how to have these conversations Keep your reactions level National Centre for Childhood Grief Keep the conversation age/developmentally appropriate Young Children and Middle Childhood: Keep it simple Operate on the principle of 'the fire hose' Answer questions honestly (to the degree with which they are curious) - the more general you can be, the more protected your child will be Offer empathy Talking helps to dispel misinformation and stigma and creates a safe space to ask questions Encourage questions about anything, and at any time Ensure they understand