LibraryScenariosWhen your child saves things for someone who died
Scenario

When your child saves things for someone who died

My six-year-old keeps hiding food in his backpack saying he needs to save it for his mom when she comes back.

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More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Hoarding behaviors reveal a child's inability to accept the finality of death, as preparation for return becomes a defense against reality.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Children and grief — supporting young people?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.