How to tell my kids about Grandad ?

[matt1978]

I've just returned from an overseas trip with DH to a very distant country. Whilst we were away we heard my (step) FIL suddenly passed away. We've spent the last 4 days from distant destination trying to help MIL in a diff time zone and dealing with our own shock and grief. I loved this man like a dear friend and became closer to him in recent years. He's always been like a grandparent to my kids (although he was always known as first name and not grandparent). They adored him.
My DM was with my kids whilst we were away and i told her I wanted to tell them myself. Now I'm back and faced with this I'm dreading it and not sure how to tell them. I think older DC will understand more and wonder if I should tell her first.
Any tips ?

How old are they? My brother and i were 11 and 8 when my gf died. My dad told me as it is. That gf has died, we i understood.

It does depend on their age.

They are 8 and 5. I think the older will understand more and the younger will take his cue from her - which is why I'm considering telling her then both of us telling him

Sorry to hear of your loss. Betsy Brown Braun makes some good suggestions:

How to talk about death Betsy Brown Braun

m.youtube.com/watch?v=CKfNNjBiOwU