Children Concept About Death
A Child's Concept of Death
A Child's Concept of Death
Every child, at any age, has their own unique concept of death. Past experiences with death for the terminally ill child, as well as, his/her age, emotional development, and surroundings are what most influence a child's own concept of death. Cartoons, movies, television, video games, and even books are filled with images of death. The child with a terminal condition has, most likely, previously experienced death by loss of a family member, friend, or pet.
An adult's misconceptions and fear about death are often transferred to his/her children. Treating death as a part of life is difficult, but may help alleviate some of the fear and confusion associated with it. Dealing with death must be done within the cultural beliefs and mores of the family.
Developmental age is a broad term used to describe the maturity of thought process development. Children may be more or less mature in their thinking and processing information, than others, at a similar age. The following are children's concepts of death, according to common developmental ages:
• Infant
For an infant, death has no real concept. Infants do, however, react to separation from parent(s), painful procedures, and any alteration in their routine. An infant that is terminally ill will require as much care, physically and emotionally, to maintain a comfortable environment as any age group. Maintaining a consistent routine is important for the infant and his/her caregivers. Because infants cannot verbally communicate their needs, fear is often expressed by crying.
• Toddler
For the toddler, death has very little meaning. He/She may receive the most anxiety from the emotions of those around him/her. When a toddler's parents and loved ones are sad, depressed, scared, or angry, he/she senses these emotions and become upset or afraid. The terms "death" or "forever" or "permanent" may not have real value to children of this age group. Even with previous
A Child's Concept of Death
Every child, at any age, has their own unique concept of death. Past experiences with death for the terminally ill child, as well as, his/her age, emotional development, and surroundings are what most influence a child's own concept of death. Cartoons, movies, television, video games, and even books are filled with images of death. The child with a terminal condition has, most likely, previously experienced death by loss of a family member, friend, or pet.
An adult's misconceptions and fear about death are often transferred to his/her children. Treating death as a part of life is difficult, but may help alleviate some of the fear and confusion associated with it. Dealing with death must be done within the cultural beliefs and mores of the family.
Developmental age is a broad term used to describe the maturity of thought process development. Children may be more or less mature in their thinking and processing information, than others, at a similar age. The following are children's concepts of death, according to common developmental ages:
• Infant
For an infant, death has no real concept. Infants do, however, react to separation from parent(s), painful procedures, and any alteration in their routine. An infant that is terminally ill will require as much care, physically and emotionally, to maintain a comfortable environment as any age group. Maintaining a consistent routine is important for the infant and his/her caregivers. Because infants cannot verbally communicate their needs, fear is often expressed by crying.
• Toddler
For the toddler, death has very little meaning. He/She may receive the most anxiety from the emotions of those around him/her. When a toddler's parents and loved ones are sad, depressed, scared, or angry, he/she senses these emotions and become upset or afraid. The terms "death" or "forever" or "permanent" may not have real value to children of this age group. Even with previous