How to tell DD 4 her Great grandad died this morning

[LowFat]

As said on another thread we knew it was coming as he slipped into a coma on Sunday, but DD really loved GGD and was always close to him.

She knows when things die they are gone forever, as our neighbours cat died some weeks ago and the discussion on death followed.

DH is at home now (it's his GD) with the DC's, but he's not sure he can tell her. I have offered to tell her, and plan to sit down with her at bedtime when she is quiet and calm. We have a lovely picture of the two of them and I intend to use that when I tell her.

But wondered if anyone else had any advice or experiences they would'nt mind sharing

I told my son (3) when my grandfather died last monht that grandad had gone to live in the sky to watch over us.

He often points at the clouds saying 'thats where grandad lives'

I told him that grandad's body was very tired and although grandad loved us all he wanted to go to rest now with the angels.

Sorry for your familys loss.

TBH I wouldn't tell her at bedtime. When my dear Dad died suddenly earlier this year, I told my 4 year old that Grandad's heart had stopped working and that he had gone to heaven. Reassure your child that everyone dies sometime but that it is unlikely to happen to you or her Dad for a very long time. Focus on the fun things they did together. Our vicar suggested our DS made a card and then tied it to a balloon, releasing it in the garden. I am so sorry for your loss. It's okay to cry together about this and there will be times when you feel like crying in the days and months ahead. Don't hide your grief from your child. xx

That's lovely Charlee about the resting thing.

DD saw her GGD on Sunday night, just before he had his heart attack and went in to the coma. He did'nt wake and looked so tired.

I did;nt let DD stay with him as it was'nt appropriate with other family members around, and i took her and DS to the restaurant. We had a chat there about GGD being very old and needing lots of rest, so to expand on this would make it easier for her to understand - I'm thinking.