"What happens when you die?"

[Doitpow]

I hate children, but there are exceptions. My 5 year old cousin is one such exception. He's very intelligent, he's a complete geek already (we watch a lot of power rangers and Ben 10. The other day my family were on a walk and we were at the back talking about video games, when he suddenly turned to me and said
"What happens when you die?"
I completely locked up. I am completely uncomfortable around the subject of death (being utterly terrified of it). I know what I think happens, you end, decompose and nothing of your consciousness is left, but as much as I don't believe in talking down to children, there was no way in hell I was telling him that. Eventually I vaguely stuttered that I didn't really know what happens after you die. I guess it was technically honest.

So....same situation, innocent child asks you about the mystery of death, your response is?

 

[TheEvilJester]

I would not respond. That is something either the child figures out or parents hope to be able to explain to him

 

[Haagrum]

Not sure how I'd handle it. I think you did the right thing by admitting to not knowing exactly, and I can only suggest the analogy of "going away" as a way to explain it.

However, I definitely wouldn't give them the "William Hand" version of events.

And yes, in the situation, it shouldn't be your bag to carry. If you don't like the kid's parents, ask him to ask them.

 

[BlumiereBleck]

Tell them the truth, when you die if you're good and faithful you go to Heaven, if you're sinful, and unfaithful you go to hell.

 

[Dragonsoulq]

oooooh,tricky,my advice is to stock up on religion here,afterlife wether you believe in it or not is very conforting,or if you think he can accept try "I don't know-nobody does"

 

[Doitpow]

However, I definitely wouldn't give them the "William Hand" version of events.

what now?

 

[Ldude893]

You sleep peacefully forever without having to let the world bother you anymore.

I'll also explain to him why living forever is a bad idea.

 

[Infinatex]

Nothing... for ever... Take that small children! Nightmares for weeks!!

 

[The Salty Vulcan]

I would explain it as eloquently as humanly possible but I would also try to explain to the child that Death is not something to be feared. That its a natural part of Life and that despite what they may think or feel if a loved one was to ever go, that there is a beauty in Death. I would explain to the child that what we leave behind is what grants us our immortality so our memories will never die

 

[Irony's Acolyte]

I'd probably let them know that many people think that different things happen. Some believe you go into an afterlife, some believe that you are born again in a different form, and some believe you just cease to exist. I wouldn't lie to them and act like I really know. I'd tell them nobody knows and that they'll have to decide what they think happens. It may not satisfy their curiousity, but I wouldn't be lying and it would allow them to decide on their own.

...Unless I had died and came back to life, then I'd give them a detailed description.

 

[technoted]

I'd tell them about the glory of death in battle and the joys found in the Halls of Valhalla where men are men and beer and food are never sparce!

 

[FlyAwayAutumn]

Simply "I don't know"

Because who does?

Everyone has theories but the only way to know for sure is to die and personally I'm too busy being fucking awesome.

Excuse me for a sec....

 

[Icarion (aka Stockholm)]

Hmm... I'd say that our spirit, soul, and consience leave our bodies. Thats pretty true. And not at all harsh.

 

[spartan1077]

religion and politics forum? Maybe maybe not

OT: I would tell them that if you die a cowardly death(explain to them that(suicide, die without fighitng))they will rot for eternity and that if they want eternal salvation and be resurected they have TO FIGHT FOR THEIR RIGHT TO PARTY...or something like that

 

[spartan1077]

I am completely uncomfortable around the subject of death (being utterly terrified of it). I know what I think happens, you end, decompose and nothing of your consciousness is left, but as much as I don't believe in talking down to children, there was no way in hell I was telling him that. Eventually I vaguely stuttered that I didn't really know what happens after you die. I guess it was technically honest.

So....same situation, innocent child asks you about the mystery of death, your response is?

I find the bolded parts make me laugh...

 

[spartan1077]

double post

 

[Not-here-anymore]

There is one answer to that question that I would give: "I don't know."
Simple, honest, and to the point. And perpetually confusing to my 4 year old sister, but that's irrelevant right now...
Although she demanded a surprisingly detailed description of gravity from me, so I'm hoping I can avoid the death question for as long as possible. I hate the idea that she's going to be more intelligent than me...

 

[Sassafrass]

Distract them with shiny keys.
Kids love shiny keys.

But in all seriousness, I'd probably say "Ask your parents." then distract them with keys or food. Seriously, give a kid a bag of Haribo, they're gone for ages and you won't hear from them again til they've finished that bag.