Age Dependent Coping

Under 2 Years Old | Aged 2-5 | Aged 6-9 | Aged 9-13 | Adolescents

Very young children and babies are not able to understand death. However, if a death occurs in the life of a child in this age group they experience the loss as a separation from someone they have an attachment to. And although children at this age do not have much language to express their loss they will react to it. They may search for the person who died, they may cry inconsolably or be withdrawn. They will be unable to understand where the person who comforted them has gone.

Children at this age will also be affected by the emotional state of other important people in their lives. It is important that as normal a routine as possible is maintained for the child. They will respond to a steady, loving, interested environment which will enable them to continue to thrive.

As the child grows, so will their ability to understand and use speech to express themselves and so there will be opportunities to talk about the person who died and help them build their own story. When a child this young experiences the death of a parent it is particularly important that they are helped to know about the person as this is an integral part of their history.

Under 2 Years Old | Aged 2-5 | Aged 6-9 | Aged 9-13 | Adolescents

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