Wolflet’s model of action establishes ways children can cope with grief. The model helps to understand the ways through which children show grief by using a concept of dimensions. Wolflet explores thirteen dimensions, which he views as manageable system to enable caregivers to acquire behaviors that assist grieving children.
The first dimension is a state of shock, denial, and exhibition of numbness. For instance, a child who has lost a pet may believe the pet is sleeping or resting. It is a natural mechanism that protects the child from reality. Wolflet states that this stage usually lasts between six and eight weeks after the tragic episode. The second dimension is lack of feeling. This is when a child appears to lack any emotion after losing a loved one. For instance, the child may continue watching movies even though he used to do with the deceased person. At this point, the grief is too much for the child to handle and thus opts to shut down. The third dimension is physiological change. This is exhibited in various ways like lack of sleep, poor eating habits, and a general lack of energy. Another dimension is exhibition of explosive emotions. For instance, a child may abruptly become angry after being cheerful. This stage affects a child’s psychology.
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These four steps demonstrate the things that caregivers should look out for when helping a child to cope with a grief. Wolflet’s model illustrates that grieving is a lengthy process full of adjustments and changes in a child’s life. On that note, the coping mechanism chosen for a child should match the signs one is exhibiting for it to be effective.