Question

When 4-year-old Chloe’s aunt died, Chloe asked, “Where’s Aunt Susie?” Her mother explained, “Aunt Susie is taking a long, peaceful sleep.” For the next two weeks, Chloe refused to go to bed, and, when finally coaxed into her room, lay awake for hours. What is the likely reason for Chloe’s behavior? What might be a better way of answering her question?

Answer 1

INTRODUCTION :- When 4 year old Chloe's aunt died,Chloe asked,"where's Aunt Susie?"Her mother explained "Aunt Susie" is taking a long,peaceful sleep",which made the Chloe refused to go bed for the next two weeks,and when finally she coaxed into her room,she lay awake for hours.The most likely reason for Chloe's behavior is fear and stress.As being 4 year she is not aware of the concept of death,which as a result is hampering her and even creating a sort of fear in her mind.Here,fear represents the stress and afraid of getting separated from the family,which led her to refusal of either going to bed or laying awake even after weeks when she went to her room.It is so because her mother told her that her "Aunt Susie" is taking long peaceful sleep,so it might got in her mind that if she goes to her bed or even sleep,then she might also go for long sleep.as she is yet not clear with the exact meaning of death and long sleep.And with her mother's answer long sleep,she could even thought getting separated from her family because as she could see her aunt anymore,thus,it may lead to fear and stress and therefore,making her show such behavior.

WHAT MIGHT BE A BETTER WAY OF ANSWERING HER QUESTION?

The more better way of answering her question was that her mother should have first know Chloe's understanding of the concept of death,that she ever heard it anywhere or whether she had slight knowledge regarding it.And then after that she should have cleared her doubt regarding it,and explained her nicely the concept of death.Thereafter,when the she gets knowledge about it,she might have told her about the Aunt Susie,in a clear and straight manner,rather creating any sort of confusion which might hamper her afterwards.By clearing everything to her,will help her feel ease because her mind is clear,which will not create a room for stress and fear in her mind.