To explain baby loss to 4 year old

[BeautifulBirds]

Can anyone recommend a book that explains bereavement to a 4 year old.

I suffered a MMC at 18 weeks. Naturally 4 year old was very excited about being a big sister. But sadly won't happen in time for Christmas, as she thought.

We have told her in basic terms what has happened, the baby has died, it isn't in mummy's tummy anymore. She knows the doctors have taken it for tests.

But still thinks baby will be here for Christmas.

So, are there any books that explain death, loss etc.

Nothing useful, because what could anyone say to you that’s not trite?

But bumping and sending love. Be kind to yourself.

I'm sorry you are having to go through this. My suggestion is dependant on your feelings towards religion, we are Christian and found "God gave us heaven" helpful when my mother died and we had to explain death to our children. If you aren't christian you may want to double check it aligns with your own beliefs about death and an afterlife before reading it to your child though.

Have you at Winstons Wish at all? Children’s bereavement charity, has some great advice.

It’s so difficult at this age as she may or may not actually understand that death is permanent. Mine realised shortly after her fourth birthday all of a sudden - it’s a developmental stage and not necessarily that you haven’t explained well.

I’m so sorry for your loss.

https://www.winstonswish.org/supporting-you/publications-resources/

Winstons wish is great. The main thing is just to be very direct, clear and simple in your language.

You do need to say very clearly that the baby will not be here for Xmas or at any other time, that everyone is feeling very sad about it and that it's ok to be sad and to talk about how she's feeling.

I'm sorry for your loss

Where are you based OP?

Sands are a huge support to lots of people and I think they may have books like this in their online shop.