Children & Grief

Inevitably, someone will die. No child, no matter how little, should ever be protected from hearing the news of a loved one's death, according to experts. Young minds may process death as an experience and are naturally inquisitive, so they naturally have questions. Truthfully and simply explaining the death to the youngster in a way that is acceptable for their age is the standard piece of advise.

Find out the child's level of knowledge about the situation by asking them questions. After then, you can tell him the truth in a straightforward manner. To illustrate your point, you could state something like, "Grandma died because her heart got too tired and stopped working."

"Grandma went to sleep and is not going to wake up" or "God took Grandma to be with the angels" are examples of answers that can confuse or worry the kid. Even though these expressions are meant to reassure and calm the child, he or she can take them at face value. For instance, the youngster may start to dread falling asleep for fear that the same thing may happen to him.

Do not force the child to answer your questions; instead, let him ask them if he feels comfortable doing so. The likes of "Is my kitty in heaven?" and "Where is Grandma now?" are typical inquiries from younger children. The ultimateity of death may become clearer to older kids, and they may ask more philosophical inquiries about religion, life's purpose, and other such lofty topics.

No matter the age group, it's best to provide honest, straightforward responses using language the youngster can grasp.

The age and emotional development of a child will influence the way they experience grief.

Ages 2 to 7

Children view death mostly as a separation event until they reach the age of seven. As a result, they could experience feelings of abandonment and fear. Because of their anxiety about being alone, they can avoid going to school or sleeping alone at night.

Children of this age often lack the language skills necessary to articulate their emotions effectively; as a result, they may "act out" by engaging in disruptive behaviors like tantrums, defiance, or role-playing. Issues with eating, sleeping, toileting, or bed-wetting may also appear in children, typically between the ages of 2 and 5. Babies under the age of two could exhibit a complete lack of language skills and a general increase in irritability all of a sudden.

Ages 7 to 12

By this point in their lives, kids have started to accept death as a constant. The individual may internalize the fear of dying, internalize the danger of death in a more personal way, or engage in "preventive" activities to "protect" themselves from death, such as focusing on being "brave" or "good" or aligning themselves with someone they believe can protect them. Some may just emotionally and socially isolate themselves.

Difficulty focusing on assignments, having issues following instructions, and having trouble with everyday tasks are all possible symptoms.

Teens

Adolescents have an adult-level understanding of death and its effects, but they may express their sorrow in different ways. In an effort to "defy" death, they could react more dramatically or engage in risky actions. Indulging in risky behaviors such as driving recklessly, smoking, drinking excessively, using illegal drugs, or engaging in sexual activity without protection could be ways they "act out" their fears and grief.

If a teen is having a hard time coping with their loss, they may have suicidal thoughts. Teens and younger children who are suicidal may exhibit warning symptoms such as an unhealthy fixation on death, suicidal ideation or behavior, or the disposal of personal possessions.

When a teen loses a loved one, their parents should keep an eye out for any changes in their conduct and, if they suspect their child is in danger, get them appropriate treatment as away.