As children get older they gradually reach a mature understanding of death. This means that the child understands that death is universal, is irreversible, renders the person nonfunctional, and is caused by biological reasons.
Theoretical frameworks such as Erikson's psychosocial development and Piaget’s cognitive transformations are useful for comprehending the developmental sequence of the acquisition of a mature concept of death.
Acquiring a mature understanding of death is part of the developmental process known as socialization.
The meaning of death is interpreted differently as a person grows older. Erikson's model of psychosocial development identifies three stages of adulthood; early adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood.
Agents of socialization regarding death include family, school and peers, mass media and children's literature, religion, and early experiences with death.
Life experiences—particularly those that involve an encounter with significant loss or death—are powerful in shaping attitudes and beliefs.
Teachable moments in death education involve adults who take advantage of a spontaneous or planned event by teaching a child something about death.
Grief in response to the death of a pet is a normal and authentic experience for adults as well as for children.
Examine the attachments between humans and pets and the impact of the death of a companion animal.
Books for children and adolescents are a source of information and insight about dying, death, and bereavement; they offer opportunities for sharing between adults and young people.
Bereaved children’s responses to loss are similar to those of adults. A particular child's experience of grief is influenced by such factors as age, stage of mental development, patterns of family interaction and communication, the nature of the relationship with the person (or pet) who has died, and previous experiences with death.
