Having two children of my own, and being a public school teacher, I think children are quite different from adults. In particular... I feel adults have lost a certain innocence, and when it's gone it's gone for good. Not sure what age.
As a DM, I deal with character death by cheering and giving a fist pump, or maybe a V-for-victory sign. I would also pat myself on the back, but I can't really reach around like that.