Helping Children Understand Introduction Helping your child when someone is ill Things your child can do when someone is ill Talking with your child when someone has died Young Children And Funerals Factors Affecting A Child's Reaction To Death Age, developmental level of the child, and life experiences will influence a child's understanding of death. Under Age 5 Your child may not understand that death is not reversible because he or she has few life experiences to help him or her understand what has happened and how the death will affect his or her life. Children this age tend to see death as akin to sleep or a journey from which one can awaken or return.
Death is seen as temporary.
It is important to explain that old age, accident, or disease caused the death, and that the person will not return. Answer your child's questions simply and honestly. Reassure him or her that they will not die and that you will be there for them. Your child may understand that death is not reversible. He or she may be interested in the concrete aspects of death, and may be concerned about his or her own death.