When deciding whether children should see the person who has died, parents may be concerned that frightening memories will be powerful and children will be very upset - this is unlikely to be the case, especially if the children have been prepared for what to expect.

Factual explanations of death are helpful, such as,'When people die it means their body doesn't work any more and although they will look like they are asleep, they are not, because when you are just asleep your body works very well.' It is useful to explain that the person may feel cold to touch and their skin colour may be different.

Further information can be found in the information sheet Viewing a Body with a Child.