Death Perception
This term describes how preschoolers often think death is part of a story or fantasy.
What is "make-believe."
This type of thinking leads preschoolers to believe they may have caused a death or loss.
What is egocentric thinking?
This action provides children with a sense of stability and comfort during the grieving process.
What is "keeping daily routines predictable."
This book shows how saying goodbye can leave a lasting impact but also opens the door for new love and healing.
What is "The Goodbye Book."
This is a phrase healthcare providers should never say to a grieving family.
What is "There is nothing we can do."
This term describes how young children believe death is like a long nap or a trip.
What is "temporary."
Preschoolers often express their grief through this activity, which may include acting out funeral scenes.
What is play?
Young children can benefit from this activity, allowing them to process emotions safely and creatively.
What is "drawing or creating stories."
The shift from black-and-white to full-color illustrations in "Rabbityness" symbolizes this emotional process.
What is "emotional healing or recovery."
This is the person or group who can help manage external communication for the family after the death of a child.
What is a "family gatekeeper."
A preschooler might ask, "When is grandma coming back?" because they believe death works this way.
What is "reversible."
This term describes the tendency of preschoolers to grieve in short bursts, alternating with periods of normal activity.
what is intermittent grieving?
This phrase is an example of clear, straightforward language you might use to explain death to a preschooler.
What is "They have died, which means their body stopped working, and they will not come back."
This is the main character in "The Goodbye Book," who represents children's feelings when faced with loss.
What is "a fish."
This term refers to the medical or emotional care provided to support a family during a child's final days.
What is "palliative care"
A 3-5-year-old may think a person who has died is simply asleep or on a trip due to their lack of understanding of this.
What is the "reality of death."
Preschoolers may exhibit this behavior, returning to earlier developmental stages, as a response to grief.
What is regression?
This approach involves reassuring children that it's normal to feel a range of emotions and it's okay to miss someone who has died.
What is "validating feelings and providing reassurance."
In Rabbityness, the story encourages children to do this to remember and honor someone they have lost.
What is "holding onto positive memories and love."
This phrase uses clear and direct language, which is how you should describe the death of a child to their family.
What is - "I am sorry to inform you that (child's name) has died."
A young child may ask this question because they do not grasp this final aspect of death.
Preschoolers often struggle with understanding this concept about death, frequently asking when the deceased will return.
what is permanence?
This technique helps children process their emotions by giving them tools to express their grief in a safe, non-verbal way.
What is "encouraging expression through play or creative activities."
Both The Goodbye Book and Rabityness help children understand that grief involves this important concept, which can lead to healing and comfort over time.
What is "the process of coping with loss and finding hope in memories."
These are resources that should be offered to a family experiencing the loss of a child. (There are 3)
What is - "Grief support groups, counseling, and crisis hotlines"