Should you tell a child ''they went to Heaven'' if a loved one dies?

[Anonymous]

Whenever a beloved one dies, they always tell a 6-10 year-old kid ''He/she went to Heaven''. Is that really what you should tell a little kid?

When my young niece was 6 years old (and her grandma died), they told her that but she still cried. She kept asking ''Why she left?'' ''If she went to Heaven why can't she come back''? ''Grandma is dead and never coming back right''? She's now 20 and is an atheist.

Yes

No

Updates

+1 y

She was very intuitive as a child and wasn't the type of kid that you can easily fooled with religion or god. She always had questions to ask.

[muscularbumblebee]

No not at all. I get the innocence of the statement but you should avoid imposing your religious beliefs on your child as much as possible I think and educate them (in a different context) about all religions and atheism etc so that when they’re older they can make their own decision rather than believing in a place called heaven.


Instead the parent can be straight up and tell them that they passed away, this means they are dead, I’m sorry to tell you this and be upfront. That’s how they’re going to be treated older anyway

[SecretsofKB]

Honestly, that it at the discretion of the parent. Personally, I'll tell my kids the truth and explain what it all means.

[N192K001]

Yes.

Of course, I'd explain the intricacies & unknowns, too, but as they ask, as not to overwhelm, especially at a sensitive time.

[lofii]

Not heaven but that they're resting.

y'all always tryna find a reason to hate on religion on this site. 🤣🤡

[HeartFullOfGlue]

I think you should tell them they're dead
I'd just say they're dead
And if they ask whats after death, I'd say nobody truly knows.

[Wise4myage]

Yes, I think that is the right thing to say.

[In_Trance]

I wouldn't say that