2 part homework question in which I need different opinions as they are very thought provoking and opinionated

Question

Does the ability to understand death vary by age of the student (explain)....and in your opinion, should you as an educator encourage a child to deal with his or her inevitable death due to a physical impairment?

Answer 1

children begin to understand death around age 7-

the teacher should not be encouraging (iniiate) the child, but can be supportive if the child initiates any discussion/activity

at all times-the teacher shoudl be aware of the parents wished]s

Answer 2

Question #1

A child's ability to grasp the concept of death certainly varies by age and life experience.  Most medical professionals agree that a child's understanding of death can be categorized based on rough age ranges.  For example, infants and toddlers up to 3 years old have no real understanding of death. They react behaviorally to changes in routines and the emotional responses of adults who are grieving over a death. Children 3 to 5 years old do not distinguish between fantasy and reality. They see death as temporary and reversible. Often, they talk as though the deceased person is only gone for a while and is likely to come back soon. Children 6 to 10 years old believe death is real and permanent, but they cannot yet comprehend their own mortality. Children this age may view death as a violent thing. They may not accept that death could happen to them or anyone they know, although they are starting to realize that people they know will die.  Children 11 to 13 years old have begun to understand death as real, final, and universal. They start to grasp that death could happen to them or their family members. As they start to develop a more realistic understanding of their world, the biological aspects of illness and death may interest them.

These classifications are based on a child of typical development and intelligence, whose life experience has not included tremendous exposure to illness and death.  The perceptions and reactions of children in atypical circumstances (such as those who have lost a parent already or may be suffering from a terminal illness themselves) may be significantly different.

Question #2

If the question deals with physically impaired children, them yes- educators. social workers and medical professionals should take an active role in preparing the child to deal with his or her inevitable death.  The following is an excerpt from Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 23, No 15 (May 20), 2005: pp. 3629-3631 © 2005 American Society of Clinical Oncology:



"In seriously ill  children, uncertainties about the future often provoke a profound sense of loss of control. Studies show that children wish to be informed about their illness and plans for treatment. Although children’s information needs may be age-dependent, most will worry about the impact of the disease and medical treatments on their daily lives and on others around them. Studies also show that when information, even if unfavorable, is withheld from children, such silence exacerbates the child’s fears and fantasies. While not all terminally ill children want to talk specifically about death or the dying process, when they realize that their future is limited, they adapt by shifting their focus to a more immediate future, such as the next holiday or a significant event.  Some also have a surprising awareness of the fact that they are going to die. In our practice, children have asked questions such as, 'is it going to hurt?' 'Will I be able to breathe?' 'Will an angel come and take me away?' Sometimes children will act out their concerns with disruptive behaviors. When communication barriers are addressed, these disruptive behaviors often disappear."

Answer 3

It sure does vary by age.  Children are very fragile.  They have some understanding, will ask a lot of questions.  They are confused about where this person went, when are they coming back, were they sick, why?  It's really mind boggling for younger kids.  Children will deal with this in their own way, there shouldn't be any need to encourage them.  Do they understand the physical impairment, likely not!  Kids really don't have a good understanding of this topic until around 9 years of age, or so.  

Hope this helps!