Exposing children to death will be the topic of conversation when popular parenting and resilience specialist Maggie Dent visits Bunbury in May.
The seminar has been organised by William Barrett and Sons as part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the importance of grieving and discussing death honestly.
Funeral director Adrian Barrett said Ms Dent’s seminar would be helpful for those who work with children and parents.
“A few decades ago, children were sheltered from death and funerals,” he said.
“We know better now, we know that children need to be included, that it’s ok to cry and to share our memories openly, even though it hurts.
“In our Western society many people still struggle with discussing death and grief and that’s something we hope to see change for the overall well-being and mental health of our community.”
Ms Dent is an author, counsellor and educator with an extensive background in palliative care and the funeral industry, having conducted over 250 funerals as a celebrant.
She will explore some innovative techniques to help both children and their parents when death occurs.
“Children need to be exposed to death early in life, preferably via the death of a small pet, to help build a template for them to understand death and the funeral process,” she said.
“This gives children an understanding of what happens and what they can do to help and strengthens their innate abilities to cope.
“Protecting and insulating children from death can have painful consequences in adolescence and adulthood.”
The seminar will be held on May 10 at 6pm. Tickets are available at bunburyentertainment.com or by calling 1300 661 272.
All funds raised from the seminar will be donated to the annual Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event for the Cancer Council of WA hosted by William Barrett and Sons in May.
