He did not understand that his brother had died of leukemia. Therefore, when the little boy approached the age of eight he became very upset and distressed, thinking it was his turn to die. In addition, children can be very protective of their parents at a very young age. Knowing that talking about the dead person makes their parent cry, the children will not bring up their own distress or confusion about death. This leaves children more vulnerable and isolated in their sorrow.
Parents can use the abstract experiences to talk with children about death.
Again, ask the children what they know and understand about death. At this time an adult can correct any misinformation. Children may deal differently with grief than adults. In order for the healthy part of a child to grow, while dealing with difficult issues like grief, a child may appear not to grasp the death of a loved one and all the implications. Children appear to grieve in spurts.