The preschool-age (3-5 years) child’s view of death is related to their developmental stage. They believe death is temporary and reversible, similar to a prolonged nap. The child may ask repeatedly when the deceased individual will return, or they may feel guilty and responsible for the death because of their wishes or thoughts (magical thinking).
Talking about the death in simple, accurate terms as often as needed helps the preschool-age child to process their loss. Avoiding discussion of the loved one’s death is not therapeutic and may increase anxiety or cause confusion (Option 2).
(Option 1) Familiar faces are comforting to the child, and consistently assigning the same nurses and caregivers promotes therapeutic relationships and trust.
(Option 3) When considering the idea of death, preschool-age children have significant fear of separation from their parents. Therefore, it is appropriate to explain the importance of remaining with the child as much as possible to the parents.
(Option 4) Play allows the child to cope with grief and provides an outlet to express or work through feelings/experiences that the child may not be able to vocalize.
Educational objective:
Therapeutic interventions for preschool-age children who are experiencing the death of a loved one include providing familiarity (eg, same nurses, parental presence), ensuring that time each day is devoted to play, and speaking openly to the child about the death as often as needed.
