Ages five - eight years old :
› Independent , concrete thinkers
› Still see death as reversible
› May believe death is their fault ( things they thought or did ) - magical thinking
› Common reactions : Change in sleep and eating patterns , regressive behaviors , change in energy , physical complaints , concerns of safety and abandonment
Ways to Help
› Honest , concrete language - use “ dead ” and “ died ” - avoid “ passed away , sleeping , lost , moved on ”
› Allow children to talk and ask questions
› Provide opportunities for play
› Offer lots of physical and emotional nurturing
› Give choices - “ You need to take a shower . Do you want to do it before or after dinner ”
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