How do preschoolers typically perceive death?

Preschoolers typically perceive death through a lens of magical thinking, which means they often view it as something non-permanent and within the realm of imagination. At this developmental stage, children may not fully grasp the finality of death and can see it as a temporary state rather than an irreversible end. They might interpret death in playful or fantastical terms, believing that the deceased can return or that they can somehow control or influence outcomes related to death through their thoughts or actions.

This perspective aligns with their cognitive development stage, where magical and imaginative thought processes prevail. Instead of understanding death through logical reasoning or the adult conceptualization of it as a finality, preschoolers may assume that it’s akin to going away on a trip or falling asleep — an experience from which one can return. This stage of understanding highlights the importance of providing age-appropriate explanations about death that respect their developmental level, helping them to slowly grasp its complexities as they grow older.