What is a common response from siblings of a child with terminal cancer?

A common response from siblings of a child with terminal cancer is often influenced by their developmental stage and understanding of death. In this context, the school-age sister perceiving death as a type of temporary sleep aligns with the cognitive and emotional frameworks of children in that age group. School-age children typically start to understand the permanence of death but may still conceptualize it in a less frightening way, such as through metaphors that indicate a temporary state instead of a finality.

This perspective can serve as a coping mechanism, allowing the sibling to process their feelings and the situation without becoming overwhelmed by fear. The idea of death as a temporary sleep is common among children who might not yet fully grasp the concept of mortality. It reflects their innocence and the complexity of their feelings as they try to reconcile their loved one's condition with their understanding of life.

In contrast, the other responses reflect misunderstandings or emotional responses that might not accurately represent the common reactions of siblings in this situation. For example, the belief of a toddler that death means leaving for a long vacation may demonstrate a lack of understanding, but it doesn't capture the nuance of emotional processing prevalent in older children. Additionally, an older brother expressing no understanding of death is also unlikely, as even older children usually have