ABSTRACT
Preparing a child for a goodbye visit to a dying loved one is a topic that is usually avoided or denied in our culture. A visit to an aging, sickly grandparent can be approached in a sensitive way.
To include children in the decision making is important. Does the child want to visit the ill person? If he or she answers "no," find out what the fears are. If discussed openly, these fears could be eliminated. If the child decides to go, talk about the hospital and the room where the sick person will be. Explain how he or she will look and his or her physical appearance may have changed with the illness. Suggest bringing a gift to the loved one. It's another way of saying goodbye. Make visits brief and provide space, both in time and location, for kids to discuss, write, or draw how they feel after their visit.
