What can you do as a mom, uncle, grandpa or close family friend to help them get through this? The following is a list of do's and don'ts to help you when talking to children about death compiled by NFDA grief educator and Minister Victor M. Parachin.

DO be honest about death. As hard as it may be to break the news to a child, honesty is the best policy. It is far worse for a child to accidentally discover the "secret" and then be told "We thought it was best not to tell you."

DON'T use euphamisms. Explaining death to a child as "Uncle Johnny went on a long trip" or "Grandma Betty is sleeping" may instill fear in the child of going on a trip or to sleep. It is better to explain in simple phrases like "dead means a person's body has stopped working and won't work anymore."

DO help children express their feelings. Encourage children to cry-out their grief and talk out their thoughts and feelings about death.

DO be a good listener. Like adults, children need to talk about the loss and their feelings connected to it.

DON'T tell a child how to feel. Let a child experience and express grief in their own way.

DO offer continuous love and assurance. Children need to know they are loved to feel secure. By being present and available during the difficult mourning process, parents can help their children bear the pain.

DON"t hide your grief from children. Seeing you greave will let children know that it is normal and healthy to cry and feel sad after death.

DO invite others to help your children. Often, someone outside the family can provide much needed additional comfort, concern and care.