How do children normally respond to the news that someone they love has died?
Depending upon the cause of death, as well as the age and maturity level of the children, there are various ways in which children react to death. If a teenager’s friend commits suicide, the teenager may become very angry. If a child loses a parent or grandparent to cancer, they may show signs of frustration. If a parent dies after the child has a big argument with the parent, the child might express feelings of guilt and responsibility. Similar to adults, some children scream, some cry, and others become silent. There are many levels of emotion. Depending upon previous situations and the cause of death, children will act out their emotions accordingly.
