Among the wondrous things about children are their abilities to trust and to bounce back from the losses life brings their way.  Children who watched “The Crocodile Hunter” have been touched by the tragic death of Steve Irwin and may need some help to process it. Irwin died Monday after being stung in the chest by a sting ray during the filming of a new TV program. By listening empathically to what your children are experiencing and supplying the answers to their sometimes graphic questions, you can help them move through this sad event.  Use these pointers to guide your conversations:

·       Model a sense of balance by regaining your own perspective on the risks implicit in living and by moving forward.

·       Respect children’s curiosity.  Young children in particular are trying to comprehend the concept as well as the permanence of death.  Answer their questions gently and honestly in a way that they can understand.  Use simple, brief terms like these: 

Q: How did he die?

A: The sting ray stung him and he died.

Q: Will he be back on his show next week? 

A: No.  When someone dies, they are longer here like they were before.  Remember the dead bird you saw?  It could not fly any more.

Q: Did it hurt?

A: I hope not.  It happened very fast.

Q: Why did the stingray do that? 

A: He was frightened the Crocodile Hunter swam over him. 

Q: Is a stingray mean?  Will animals hurt me?

A: Animals can’t tell us when they’re afraid, so sometimes they bite or sting.  Animals will usually not hurt people unless they are scared.

·       Put the magnitude of the danger into perspective.  This was a very unusual occurrence. Stingrays can be threatening, but their sting is not often fatal.

·       If your child begins to be fearful about losing you, reassure her that you are very careful and that you expect to be with her for a very long time. Provide some extra one-on-one time, and be patient.  Her fears will gradually subside.

Older children can understand more about Steve Irwin’s commitment to conservation and his love of his work. 

·       Talk with them about Irwin’s love of animals and the enjoyment he took in his work. 

·       Empower them be safe.  Discuss how Irwin believed very strongly in his cause and knowingly took risks.  Remind them that often what they see on television would be very dangerous for viewers to try.

·       Teach them to celebrate life. Ask, “What will you remember about the Crocodile Hunter?”  or “Tell me your favorite story from Crocodile Hunter.”

Learn more…

·       http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/09/04/australia.irwin/index.html

·       Irwin’s “close calls” -  http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/crochunter/video/video.html