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What age should you tell a child or teenager that their parents won’t be around forever?

That is a very harsh reality we all have to face one day. Some people have to keep tell me my parents won’t be around forever because I’m not getting the hint or point so they had no choice but to be blunt with me and that hit me hard. Most autistic people don’t take hints well. Anyways it is kind of hard to explain it to a child but teenagers I think they can handle it right? Truth hurts but they’re strong enough to handle it. People are brutally blunt to teenagers all the time aren’t they? I’m 19 going on 20.

My parents are no longer around and I was told that, “I told you so but you didn’t wanna believe us when we tried to prepare you for life. Hard facts need to be said and heard.” I miss my parents so much. 😭😭😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
BarbossasHusband · 36-40, M
It really depends on the kid. I think they need to be able to understand
1. Abstract thinking
2. That death is final
3. There's no coming back
4. One or (preferably) more religious views on death. Having several options to choose between in regards to the afterlife helps the child find an answer they feel comfortable with.

Just my thoughts on this.
LaylaTheTallGirl · 22-25, F
@BarbossasHusband Yeah my dad told me something‘s very similar when I got older and I was a kid he said he’s not gonna always be around. Now my parents are dead and gone. Reality doesn’t care about our feelings.
Convivial · 26-30, F
One of those unfortunate facts of life we all must deal with... It's ok to miss them and to grieve... Hugs
Muthafukajones · 46-50, M
My dad mentioned it to me when I was 5. It really upset me.
LaylaTheTallGirl · 22-25, F
@Muthafukajones Five?! That’s too soon. That was harsh. I know my dad said that he’s not gonna always be around he said that when I was little girl but then I got older to my teen years that’s when he flat out said he isn’t going to be around forever so when he’s gone he’s GONE and there’s no coming back.
SweetMae · 70-79, F
Most kids figure that out on their own.
Ontheroad · M
Unless not being around is imminent, telling a child is not necessary and could be damaging. I do think taking the opportunity, when it arises in everyday life, to comment (in some affirming way) on death is good, but to make a child face the possibility of losing you without reason... nope.
SW-User
I found out when I was 7, no conversation would ever have prepared me for it

 
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