How do I tell my child a beloved relative is dying?

[Merryoldgoat]

I’m absolutely heartbroken. My aunt who has been like a mother to me (as my mum died when I was a teen) is dying.

She is very close to my son and she’s like a grandmother to him. They adore each other. My son is 10 and has ASD - I really need to get this right for him.

I don’t know what, when, or how to tell him.

I’m so sad for our whole family and I don’t know how to cope with this.

I’d be grateful for advice from people who have helped their children through something similar? His great grandmother died a few years back but she was very old and whilst he loved her he had the understanding that it was likely owing to age and infirmity. My aunt is not ‘old’, still very vital and this is all very shocking.

Op you need to look after yourself too. I'm sorry your aunt and you and your family is going through this. You have got good advice on here. Xx

@Londonrach1 thank you.

I am feeling a bit numb but we’ve agreed on how to talk to my son and her DGC and we are planning lots of visits and time together.