Briefing
The broadcaster SWR published guidance on 1 November 2026, offering parents and education professionals practical advice on how to talk to children about dying, death and bereavement. The article summarises existing recommendations and does not claim to introduce new laws or medical standards.
The central recommendation is to use clear, age-appropriate language: adults should explain that death is permanent, use child-friendly terms and avoid euphemisms such as “just asleep”. Specialist services in Germany, such as the Federal Centre for Health Education and the Berlin Family Portal recommend tailoring explanations to a child’s stage of development, welcoming questions and not excluding children from farewell and remembrance rituals. Rituals can foster a sense of belonging and help children make sense of their loss. The German Hospice and Palliative Care Association and specialist palliative care societies point out that regional support services, children’s and young people’s hospices, and specialist programmes are available for affected families. Alongside medical assistance, these also provide psychosocial support for siblings and parents. If behavioural changes persist, or there is pronounced withdrawal, lasting sleep problems or a decline in performance, professional associations advise making a prompt referral to counselling services or child and adolescent psychotherapists. Practical recommendations from the sources reviewed can be summarised as follows: speak openly, briefly and clearly; adapt explanations to the child’s age; make room for questions; allow rituals; show your own feelings without overwhelming children; and take children’s playful ways of expressing grief seriously.
Adults should be familiar with recurring, age-appropriate grief responses so they can recognise problematic patterns in good time. The guidance published on 1 November 2026 offers advice to families in Germany and once again emphasises the importance of local counselling and palliative care services. Regional specialist services provide support to those affected; professional associations recommend seeking professional help early if complicated grief is suspected.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).