Sleep issues relating to fear of death in children ????

Question

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 of this?

Answer 1

I had it when I was little, and again when I was a teenager after my father had a heart attack.
When I was small I couldn't sleep because I used to wonder where we go when we die-do we stop existing? I was pretty deep for a five year old. I even started sleepwalking and my folks had to put hook and eye locks at the top of all the doors because they found me outside a couple of times.

When I was older, I used to stand outside my parents' bedroom and listen to my father breathing. I would get up several times during the night (but not sleep at all) to check and re-check.

Both times my parents just talked to me and let me get all my fears out and made themselves available and eventually it stopped.

Answer 2

all my boys did this. my youngest more so. every day he would talk about death and ask if or when i was going to die or when he would. all we can do is reassure tham that we aren't going anywhere for a long time and neither are they. we have to have faith in that fact. it will pass as he becomes more comfortable with the idea or when he is sure he's going to get the same answer each time. it's heartbreaking though. to think that it bothers them so much that they can actually lose sleep over it.