If religion has been a part of their lives, religious concepts can also be a comfort. Ages 10 and Up Older children have a clearer understanding of death. They know that a person's heart, brain and breathing stop. As a preteen, children are ready for a complete explanation of death. Yet, preteens still view death as a long way off.
Death is something that only happens to old or sick people.
This viewpoint is normal. Most of us don't face the idea of our own death until adulthood. There is no easy way to break sad news to a child. Parents may find these ideas help a child understand death. Someone close to the child should explain what happened.