LOVE, warmth and reassurance should be shared. Closeness and involvement convince the child that their security is certain. Sorrow is often more easily faced with others. Actually, the child is comforted by the tears of his parents, realizing that if they were to die, the parent would care. When preparing to tell a child about someone dying, clergy or a close friend may assist in the discussions.
Age is often an indicator of which aspect of death most concerns the child.
It is a known fact a child old enough to love is old enough to grieve. Up to Age 2 Infants and toddlers cannot understand death, but they do feel the loss of the one who was there to nurture and care for them. Age 2-4 Children at two, three and four years of age have little understanding of the meaning of death. The death should be shared with the child either by viewing or attempting to explain what has happened. Age 5-7 A child five, six or seven has a feeling for loss, but it is not easy to grasp.