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GRIEF AND CHILDREN When a family member dies, children react differently from adults. Preschool children usually see death as temporary and reversible--a belief reinforced by cartoon characters who "die" and "come to life" again. Children between five and nine begin to think more like adults about death, yet they still believe it will never happen to them or anyone they know. Adding to a child's shock and confusion at the death of a brother, sister or parent is the unavailability of other family members, who may be so shaken by grief that they are not able to cope with the normal responsibility of child care. Parents should be aware of normal childhood responses to a death in the family, as well as danger signals. According to child and adolescent psychiatrists, it is normal during the weeks following the death for some children to feel immediate grief or persist in the belief that the family member is still alive. But long-term denial of the death or avoidance of grief is unhealthy and can later surface in more severe problems. A child who is frightened about attending a funeral should not be forced to go; however, some service or observance is recommended, such as lighting a candle, saying a prayer or visiting a grave site. Once children accept the death, they are likely to display their feelings of sadness on and off over a long period of time, and often at unexpected moments. The surviving relatives should spend as much time as possible with the child, making it clear that the child has permission to show his or her feelings openly or freely. The person who has died was essential to the stability of the child's world, and anger is a natural reaction. The anger may be revealed in boisterous play, nightmares, irritability or a variety of other behaviors. Often the child will show anger towards the surviving family members. After a parent dies, many children will act younger than they are. The child may temporarily become more infantile, demanding food, attention and cuddling, and talking "baby talk." Younger children believe they are the cause of what happens around them. A young child may believe a parent, grandparent, brother or sister died because he or she had once "wished" the person dead. The child feels guilty because the wish "came true." Some danger signals to watch for:
Copyright 1997 by the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Since you are surfing the web and doing research, we hope you take a moment browse our online store of specialty and educational toys. We feature hard to find classic toys such as a traditional Jack-In-The-Box, Colorforms, Bristle Blocks, Wooden Kitchen Sets, Rhythm Instruments and Toy Pianos. We have books by Klutz Press, learning aids by Lauri Toys, wooden puzzles, videos, dolls, music and so much more for children from birth to age ten. And what is best...we offer generous discounts, fast order processing, and personalized knowledgeable service. We are one of the oldest stores on the web. Our customers include thousands of educators, daycare professionals and concerned parents. We hope you will become a customer too! You can find our store at http://www.liveandlearn.com/contents.html. Your friends at Live And Learn! |
