Babies, although too young to comprehend that a loved one has died, can sense sadness in the faces and voices of their caretakers. At this stage, children are slowly beginning to realize that people and animals die. These children begin to realize that it will happen to their loved ones. They begin to realize the finality of death. A clearer understanding of death develops at this stage.
Children understand the biological facts of death.
Rituals, including funerals and memorial services, can help children deal with the death of a loved one. They are a way of saying goodbye to a loved one. Religious memorial services can be a comfort to children, particularly those for whom religion has been a part of their lives. It provides a child with an opportunity to ask questions and to realize that loss is a part of life. It may also help to undercut a child's fantasies that the person who died may return.