2 year old and bereavement

[roseability]

My DS is 2.2 and his great granny passed away last week. She was 99 and much loved (she was my husband's grandmother). I took him to see her every week and he loved it. Of course he dosen't understand that she has gone but should I tell him anything specific. It feels wrong not to tell him anything and he is just picking up on our stress/sadness and playing up a bit. Some advice would be much appreciated

My youngest son was 2.10 when my dear dad died.

He was aware that Granddad was very ill, in hospital etc. When dad died, we told the children. DS1, then aged 5 grasped the concept but it took DS2 a lot longer to understand.

My advice to you would be to tell DS that greatgranny has died, and you are very sad.

Please try not to say 'fallen asleep' or fudge the issue in any way, and be prepared for many questions.

I am very sorry for your loss

When my DS was born she was still living with my MIL (she only went into a home 18 months ago) and we used to stay at my PIL's house a lot because we found it tough. So she has been part of his life since he was born. I really should tell him but I don't think he will understand that he won't see her again. He hasn't asked for her but then it has only been a few days since she passed. The funeral is on Wednesday so I will tell him tomorrow I feel very bad that I haven't been as patient with him but I have been trying to support my DH, who was very close to her and my MIL (who is like a mother to me) and deal with my own grief. No excuse though, the poor little chap must wonder why we are all a acting differently. I just keep picturing him running into the home and straight to her room to show her his latest dinky car .

I think that you should explain to him that she has died and that it is something that happens when you are old. I would say that sadly you won't be able to see her anymore but that he was very lucky to have had a great granny.

My DD was a little older (3) when my Great Uncle passed away last year but he had been part of her life since she was born. He had been ill for a while which she knew.

We used 2 books to help explain death - "Badger's parting gift" and "Always and Forever". She actually still asks to read these books sometimes.

Check out the bereavement section as that is where we got a lot of advice on dealing with children and death from.

Sorry - meant to say sorry for your loss.