Friends lost babies at 20 weeks - how to tell DD1?

[katzg]

just looking for a bot of advice, DD1's Godparents have lost their twins at 20 weeks, DD1 (nearly 4)has been so excited about them having 2 babies, how do we explain this?

Blimey, I don't know. i guess you have to be gentle but matter of fact abut how some babies just don't make it

oh God - how sad.
I would say just be honest with her and tell them that they were too poorly.
Really feel for your friends - I am 20 weeks pregnant too.

I have had to tell my son this news twice over the last year. He is now 4. It is amazing and humbling just how accepting kids can be. The first time he looked a bit crestfallen but then wanted to know if spiderman was on telly. Second time he understood a bit more and he burst into tears - it was heartbreaking. But we were honest and tried to keep it simple. We explained that some babies are just not strong enough to make it and that Grandpa was with the angels looking after the baby. We are not religious, but it felt like a nice thing to say and he totally accepted it then.
Good luck. It's terrible. But your child might surprise you with real acceptance.

i went with the they were born too young and too little to servive, i spoke to another mumsnetter about it, who has been there too. DD1 took it in her stride but came out with well my Nanny is going to be very busy in Heaven looking after two babies!

Thanks for all your advice

I have had 3 eptopic and i think telling the children was the hardes part. i think if you are open and honest with them you will be surprised at the reaction. take care