Sleep issues relating to fear of death in children ??????!
Question:
Sleep issues relating to fear of death in children ??????
I know that most children come to the realization of death, or mortality. I have heard of children having trouble sleeping, fearing their parent will die, and going through almost a 'pre-teen seperation anxiety". Has anyone gone through this or have any suggestions to help get the child out this?
Answers:
When I was younger, I used to have many a sleepless night worrying about this. Then my dog died, I was heartbroken, and had a long honest discussion about death with my grandmother. Sounds strange, but maybe it just helped me get my head around it and have a better understanding. You could sit down with the child and hear their worries and don't try to negate them, just listen. Then ask questions about what they think happens after, what YOU think happens after, maybe your experience with it, anything that comes up (though don't get too scary with horrific and painful details). If you have a matter-of-fact discussion about it, and are honest with them, they might be better able to come to terms with it.