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Children's Understanding
of Death
Children understand death differently
than adults.
0-3 years
Experience death as separation, but does not fully understand it. Senses
the stress and emotional grief reactions of those around them.
3-6 years
Death is understood as temporary and reversible. May consider death as
something that happens when you're bad. May play to relieve reality of
loss.
6-9 years
Believes thoughts can make things happen. May accept finality and reality
of death but does not personalize it. Increased interest in physical and
biological aspects of death. Death may be thought of as a person or ghostly
figure.
9-12 years
Develops an awareness of the possibility of his or her own death. Objective
curiosity develops. May seek details of death such as "Is the body
cold?" Expresses feelings through behavior. Increased interest in
what happens after death.
Teens
Adult-like understanding of the permanence of death and the realization
that everyone will die. May deny feelings and express anger. May assume
roles of deceased person. May inappropriately assume responsibility for
adult concerns such as financial matters.
If your child is grieving,
he or she may experience a range of common reactions and feelings. You
can help.
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Children's
Understanding of Death
Common
Reactions and Feelings and How You Can Help
