How to talk to your children about the death of a classmate

Posted: August 28, 2024, 10:35 a.m. CDT

from
WAKA Action 8 News

How do you talk to your children when a classmate dies?

Over the weekend, three students were killed in the spectator area.

Recently, Caden Tellier, a football player at Morgan Academy, died of a brain injury, Au'Terrious Walter, a student at Selma High School, died of a gunshot wound, and an unidentified fifth-grader in Tallapoosa County has passed away.

Action 8 News spoke with Rev. Dewayne Rembert of Flatline Church in Chisholm.

Rembert makes it a point to give classmates the opportunity to express their feelings and make it clear to them that it is OK to talk about their loss.

He also says to start the conversation, but listen to the students and give them positive hope for the future.

“We don't want our students to fall into hopelessness,” said Pastor Rembert. “There has to be immediate response, action, love and care, as if you can't wait, and it has to be continuous. You can't start and then just leave it. You have to be there.”

There are several places in our area that can offer advice if needed.

• Pathways Professional Counseling 866-991-6864
• Samaritan Counseling Center 334-262-7787
• Hope City Counseling 334-721-3592
• Deep Roots Consulting & Coaching 334-324-6588
• Sanctuary Consulting & Wellness 334-603-2025
• Phillips Consulting Practice 706-325-3392
• Transformation Consulting 334-730-3172
• Composite Consultation 334-356-9894
• Venture Life Coaching 850-377-9586