Need to talk to us?
What can we help you find?
2014 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02462
617-243-6000
Open 24 hoursLab Hours and Holiday Hours Vary
307 W Central St
Natick, MA 01760
617-243-5345
159 Wells Ave
Newton Centre, MA 02459
617-243-5777
111 Norfolk Street
Walpole, MA 02081maps
978 Worcester Road (rte 9)
Wellesley, Massachusetts 02482
781-235-5200
Open 24 hours
Lab Hours and Holiday Hours Vary
25 Washington Street
Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481
617-219-1520
9 Hope Ave
Waltham, MA 02453
617-243-5590
Monday through Saturday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Section Menu
School-aged children are beginning to understand that death is final and that when someone dies they cannot come back. This reality can be frightening and they may begin to fear the death of other loved ones. This is the age when images of the boogeyman, skeletons, ghosts, etc. begin to accompany the idea of death.
School-aged children may have many questions related to death, and they may be specifically interested in details about the dying process. Grieving children this age also may have difficulty verbalizing feelings, periods of sadness interspersed with “normal” play periods, nightmares and other sleep disturbances, feelings of guilt, learning issues and unusual physical complaints or signs or illness. They may also play out their understanding of death and/or write about it, display aggressive behavior, engage in limit testing and disobedience, show some regression and have extremes of attachment – either becoming very clingy or very withdrawn.
Speak honestly with your child, discuss their fears and concerns and reassure them that they did not cause the death. If your child asks you if you will die tell him/her that you are taking good care of yourself and expect to live a long time. Reassure your child that it is okay to feel sad and it is okay to be happy and feel good too. Encourage your child to commemorate the death in some way (planting flowers, drawing a picture, etc).