How to answer 8 year olds questions

[Canthisonebeused]

Someone close to my family has recently passed away. I didn't know this person as well as my dd. although I knew I did not inform my dd as I was aware it would be delt with as a group with other children.

My dd at times often appears to lack empathy and insight, she's incredibly bright so acts on facts if that makes sence. There is no SN or autism spectrum disorder. I was unsure how she would be affected, but she was very close to this person so I was unsure how she would react. I was quite surprised that she was very visibly emotional and has cried lots. Have comforted her and let her know she can talk to me.

However she has asked lots of questions about the illness and the circumstances of the death. Both what physically happened and what the person felt, knew etc about her own passing. Initially I said to dd I'm sure it was made as peaceful as possible but this int enough. Last night we talked a lot about how the heart and lungs work and how this related to the physical aspects of death. But with the more info I give the more inquisitive she becomes, I don't know if I should continue or if it's possibly triggering a more morbid interest that isn't necessarily appropriate. Any advice welcome thanks.

[HolidayCriminal]

Oh do be honest, don't make it something too scary to talk about, just factual and this is what happens and did happen. She's not too young to wrestle a bit with the meaning of death.

Think of positive messages you can squeeze in there, too. Like "what matters is the quality of life we make now not worrying about what might happen later" or whatever values you find comforting to help to tolerate the idea of death. Good luck.