Explaining death to children.

[vodkafan]

What you have to understand is most parents aren't very good at explaining the concept of death to children. Saying "daddy went to live with the angels" is more of a white lie than anything else and I think it is completely understandable that people might say this. Sure, daddy isn't up in the clouds living with some imaginary being but sometimes sensitive topics are dealt with by parents in different ways. I don't have a problem with a parent explaining death in such a way to a young child as it does protect them from the hurt and pain they might otherwise feel. I don't think this is a bad thing, they can learn about the more obvious facts of life as they get older. I'm not saying it's the best thing to say to a child, but I think berating people for dealing with such circumstances in a way that they are only trying to protect the child is a little low IMHO. Not everyone says this shit to indoctrinate their children. When I was a kid I was told Santa brought me presents and left them under the tree at christmas, it was a nice idea and made christmas feel special. Obviously as I grew up I realised it was bullshit. The problem isn't people telling children white lies to make them feel better, or shield them from the harsh realities, the problem is when parents continue with the lies as they reach an age that they can really employ critical thinking and start seeing the world for what it is. That's when it becomes wrong.

Well said, sir!