Ages 3-6 Ages 6-9 Ages 9-12 Teens Grief Reactions by Ages (PDF)

The way a child shows grief changes according to his or her age. You will also find that a child grows older, his or her awareness of a loved one’s death changes. It is normal for a child to re-grieve the loss of a loved one as the awareness of the death changes. Common grief reactions by age appear below: Ages 3-6 · May ask questions about the loved one e.g. How does ______ eat, play, or breathe? · May question who will care for them. · May worry that death will occur to someone else they love. · May search for their loved one by watching video clips or by looking at pictures. · May experience problems with eating, sleeping, bowel/bladder functions . Ages 6-9 · Curious about death and may ask questions about what happens to their loved one’s body. · May view death as punishment because of their misbehavior or bad thoughts. · May be afraid to go to school or have difficulty concentrating. · Boys may become more aggressive. · Girls may become more withdrawn. · May become overly concerned about their health and the health of those caring for them. · May feel need to assume adult roles before they are ready, especially in cases of parental death. Ages 9-12 · Views death as final and something that happens to everyone, especially the “old”. · Death is not viewed as a form of punishment. · Reactions reflect what they have learned from parents and adults in their lives. · At risk for symptoms of depression, withdrawal, anxiety, outbursts, and changes in school work · Will often display empathy and will share expressions of care to others who are grieving. Teens · Has understanding of death and views death as permanent. · May be angry that the death is interfering with their schedule or activities. · May feel isolated from those who have not experienced a death. · At risk for substance abuse and risk-taking behaviors. If you child needs additional support, please contact FAIRHOPE’s Family Grief Support Coordinator at 740-654-7077. Grief Reactions by Ages ©2017 FAIRHOPE Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.