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A timely selection from My Care Letter, a free, monthly
publication from the funeral directors at Lindquist Mortuaries/Cemeteries.
Shock — The child may not
believe the death really happened and will act as though it did not. This is
usually because the thought of death is too overwhelming.
Physical Symptoms — The
child may have various complaints such as headaches or a stomachache and fear
that he, too, will die.
Anger — Being mostly concerned
with his/her own needs, the child may be angry at the person who died because
he/she has been left “all alone” or that God didn´t “make the person well.”
Guilt — The child may think
that he/she caused the death by having been angry with the person who died,
or may feel responsible for not having been “better” in some way.
Anxiety and Fear — The
child may wonder who will take care of him/her or fear that some other person
he/she loves will die.
Regression — The child
may revert to behaviors he/she had previously outgrown, such as bed wetting
or thumb sucking.
Sadness — The child may
show a decrease in activity – being “too quiet.”
It is important to remember that all of the reactions outlined are normal expressions of grief in children. In the grieving process, time is an important factor. Experts have said that six months after a significant death in a child´s life, normal routine should be resuming. If the child´s reaction seems to be prolonged, seeking professional advice of those who are familiar with the child (e.g., teachers, pediatricians, clergy) may be helpful.
Reprinted courtesy of www.death-dying.com.

LINDQUIST
MORTUARIES/CEMETERIES
www.lindquistmortuary.com • (801)
394-6666
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