Seven to Ten Years Old

Older children can understand when something or someone is taken away permanently, whether it be moving from a home or coping with a parent's death. As a result, they may become preoccupied by the troubling event. Their understanding of life has been badly shaken. They might discuss the traumatic event repeatedly as they try to understand how to deal with the problem. They might need help making sense of or expressing their feelings about the experience. Remember, their reasoning abilities are not those of an adult. For example, it is not uncommon for children to think they are to blame for their parents' divorce. Parents can help by learning what their children are thinking and feeling and then correcting misconceptions their children may have.