The parents of 4-year-old Sara prepared her for the death of a seriously ill unc
ID: 122062 • Letter: T
Question
The parents of 4-year-old Sara prepared her for the death of a seriously ill uncle. They spoke about illness and answered all of her questions honestly. When the uncle died, it seemed appropriate for the whole family to attend the wake. In preparation, the parents explained that Uncle George was going to heaven. Several days after attending the wake, Sara asked, "Do you think Uncle George got where he was going yet?" Questions like this one or others-such as "Will he be cold?" or "How does he breathe?" -indicate that the concept of death is too complex for young children to comprehend at the moment. It is important that parents recognize these questions as cues to the child's own concern about his or her safety and place within the family.Explanation / Answer
Children Death Understanding:
Every child had a unique view on understanding of death and response to grief and it is largely influenced by the child’s developmental level and chronological age.
Concept of Death:
Babies do not have the cognitive capability to understand the complex concepts like death. This is because they mostly live in the present. In any case someone significant dies, then babies are more acutely aware of loss and separation.
Sara is a 4 years old preschool child. So she does not comprehend the concept of forever. According to her view, death is seen as temporary and reversible.
Understanding of Death Depends on Age & Development and death is classified into 4 main concepts, they are....
Irreversibility (death is permanent)
Finality (all functioning stops with death)
Inevitability (death is universal for all living things)
Causality (causes of death)
Process of death explaining to preschooler:
Preschool children like sara are must need her parents support on the grieving process. Death is one of the hardest subjects to broach with young children.
Don't dodge her questions, be patently answer about her all questions on death and don't be afraid to read stories about children whose pets or grandparents die.
Give brief and simple answers to them like now that Uncle george has died, his body has stopped working. He can't walk or run or eat or sleep or see anymore, and he doesn't feel any pain. Death is part of the natural cycle of life.
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