We all love our little ones and want to be as honest with them as we can, but sometimes it can be difficult to know when you are telling your child too much and when you’re not saying enough. There is no guidebook to tell you what you should and shouldn’t do, and there are no right or wrong answers which can make delicate situations hard to handle.
When Rochelle Humes wasn't sure how to deal with a sensitive moment earlier this week, she turned to her fans for advice on social media.
Rochelle and husband, Marvin, have three-year-old daughter, Alaia, and were unsure about what to do when they realised her pet goldfish had died. Taking to Twitter, Rochelle wrote: “Parents – help!! Alaia’s goldfish has just passed :( Do I tell her in the morning the truth (in a nice way) or is the fish on holiday?”
This has always been a controversial topic for parents, as we are often told that allowing children to have pets is the best way to help them learn how to grieve in a healthy way. But given Rochelle and Marvin’s tot is just three-years-old, the question was – how young is too young?
Many users responded and encouraged the couple to be upfront and honest with their daughter, suggesting it would be better for her in the long run.
However, others weren’t as keen for honesty and instead thought they should tell the young child that the fish was ‘on holiday’ or ‘away’.
Rochelle and Marvin then made the decision to tell Alaia the truth, informing fans: “We’ve gone for honesty. Thanks guys. Sometimes it’s hard to know the right thing to do when you just want to protect your little one [sic]”
Do you think parents should be this honest about death with their tots? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter (@CloserOnline)
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