Protecting the Child's Emotions: Adults may believe that shielding a child from the immediate news of a parent's death is an attempt to protect their emotional well-being. Death is a heavy and difficult concept for many children to understand, and they may struggle to process the sudden loss.
Age and Understanding: Depending on the child's age and maturity level, adults might fear that the child won't comprehend the permanence of death or the implications of the loss. They may wait until they believe the child is emotionally prepared to understand and handle the news.
Preparing for the Discussion: The adults may need time to prepare themselves emotionally to break the news to the child in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner. They might want to ensure they have the right support and resources in place to help the child cope with their grief.
Cultural or Religious Beliefs: Cultural or religious beliefs can also influence the decision to delay informing a child about a death. Certain traditions or practices might dictate a specific way of delivering the news or require certain rituals to be performed before discussing the loss.
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