What potential behavior might a school-aged child exhibit when faced with the impending death of a family member?

When a school-aged child is confronted with the impending death of a family member, they may exhibit uncooperative behavior as a way to cope with their feelings of fear, anxiety, and confusion. Children at this developmental stage often struggle to process complex emotions and may not fully understand the situation. As a result, they might resist following rules, engage in defiant actions, or withdraw from their usual activities.

This reaction can stem from their inability to articulate their emotions effectively or express their distress regarding loss, leading to frustration and oppositional behavior. Instead of displaying more typical reactions like sadness or increased social interaction, which might be more common in other age groups or contexts, the uncooperative stance is a more direct representation of their struggle to manage a profound emotional experience.