How children see loss at different ages
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This video tells the story of 10 children who have experienced the death of someone they loved dearly. They are so innocent and honest regarding their feelings while they explain what grief is to them, and how they have dealt with the sadness and pain. This should help you understand how children see this loss at different ages. Watch the video and be prepared to answer the following questions. Please place your answers in the drop box.
Questions:
Did you notice any differences in response to the questions asked based on the age differences of the children?
What were some of the things the children said they had done in order to deal with the sadness they felt? Name 3 things.
What piece of advice given by a child made the biggest impression on you?
What was the one thing the children said about their loved one now that they have “gone away”?
Sample Solution
Yes, there were noticeable differences in the responses of children based on their age. The youngest child, a four-year-old, had difficulty articulating his feelings and understanding the concept of death. His response was mainly focused around what he personally enjoys and misses about that person no longer being present. Similarly, the seven-year-old’s answer was also heavily focused on what it means to him as an individual in terms of missing out on experiences with that person (e.g. playing games).
In contrast, older children exhibited more mature understandings of death and grief even though they are still adapting to this new reality without their loved one present. For example, when asked how death affects other people around them both an eight year old and a twelve year old mentioned empathy and understanding for those who have been left behind rather than focusing solely on themselves and their own loss (Gallo 2020). This appears to be due to increased cognitive development over time leading to better comprehension of abstract concepts such as mortality.
Overall, although grief is a universal emotion shared by all regardless age or experience level; its expression can vary significantly depending upon one’s developmental stage at the time exposure occurs. Therefore it is important for adults caring for minors who may have gone through this kind trauma remain aware/patient as they begin processing these complex emotions so that help can be provided accordingly (Gallo 2020).
