A Preschooler’s View of Death The parents of 4-year-old Sara prepared her for the death of a seriously ill uncle. They spoke about illness and answered all of her questions honestly. When the uncle...

A Preschooler’s View of Death

The parents of 4-year-old Sara prepared her for the death of a seriously ill uncle. They spoke about illness and answered all of her questions honestly. When the uncle died, it seemed appropriate for the whole family to attend the wake. In preparation, the parents explained that Uncle George was going to heaven. Several days after attending the wake, Sara asked, “Do you think Uncle George got where he was going yet?” Questions like this one or others—such as “Will he be cold?” or “How does he breathe?”— indicate that the concept of death is too complex for young children to comprehend at the moment. It is important that parents recognize these questions as cues to the child’s own concern about his or her safety and place within the family.