Understanding and adjusting to death and loss at various stages of life.

Almost every child or adolescent faces the death of someone close—a relative, friend, or even a pet—at some point in his or her life. In fact, it is estimated that about 5% of children under age 15, or about 1 in 20, will lose one or both parents.

Parents, caregivers, and teachers can provide support and minimize fear by answering a child's questions about death honestly. Encouraging communication will help the child through the essential grieving period. At one time, well-meaning adults felt that it was in the child's best interests to avoid discussing death. However, research has shown that children cope more successfully with a loss or death if they feel included in the group that has experienced the loss, and share in grieving and mourning.

When listening to a child's observations about...