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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
An 8 page paper. How to explain death to a preschool-age child is an issue of some controversy in the world, however, experts seem to agree that we should not try to shield our young children from the fact of death. Experts also seem to agree that we should not use euphemisms when discussing death and dying because they confuse the child and will often lead to misconceptions, which, in turn, lead to fears. This essay discusses how this age child perceives death and includes suggestions on discussing this topic with young children. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Page Count:
8 pages (~225 words per page)
File: MM12_PGprsdth.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
just occurred and the parent or caregiver is experiencing grief themselves (LesStrang, 2003). Talking with the child cannot be avoided and it should not be put off to a later
time, in fact, LesStrang said the child should be told as soon as possible (2003). This is because children have very similar needs as adults when dealing with the death
of a loved one (LesStrang, 2003). The difference is how they think about death and their subsequent feelings (LesStrang, 2003). The word death seems to have become a
"four-letter" word, one to be avoided completely. Euphemisms are used, the most common being the person passed on. Since adults seldom use the words, dead, died, dying, it is no
wonder there is controversy about talking with young children about death and dying. Experts in the field of death and dying education, without exception, advise using the proper words with
even very young children (LesStrang, 2003; VanClay, 2004; Vernon, 2002). Mary VanClay, for examples, says: "Common adult phrases for death - "resting in peace," "in eternal sleep" - are confusing
for a young child" (2004). Telling a young child that grandpa is sleeping could result in that young child being afraid to go to sleep (VanClay, 2004; Vernon, 2002). As
LesStrang said: "Grandpa did not go on a long journey; he did not pass on; he is not sleeping, nor is he resting; he is not away; we did not
lose Grandpa" (2003). The point is that euphemisms will cause more anxiety in the young child than using the proper words. At the same time, it is essential to understand
what the preschool-age child can understand at different developmental ages. Piaget, for instance, said that a childs understanding of death changes as he develops (Ginsberg and Opper, 1969). During the
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