Explaining a death to a 6 year old

[Parent999]

There’s been a recent death of an aunt, I’ve been delaying so as to work out how to explain it. The absence is noticed now and I need to do something soon. I’ve read lots but feeling overwhelmed. Does anyone have any real life experience of this? What worked what didn’t?
Thanks

You need to be as truthful as you can in an age appropriate way. You know your child and what they can cope with. I had to tell my 6 year old her daddy had passed away.... he had been ill so wasn’t completly unexpected but as I said I was very honest and then just answered all her questions. Remember death is something that inevitably we will all experience but no one talks about it. I’ve tried to remember this so that death isn’t a subject that we shy away from.

I would just be honest. At 6 I think they are old enough. Its hard though sorry for your loss

I'm so sorry for your loss.

There is really good advice on the MacMillan website for talking to children about death and dying.

link here

i remember having to tell my daughter her granny had died, (my mum) was the hardest thing ever but i said im so sorry your granny has passed on but she has beautiful fairy wings, and shes still here watching over you. you can talk to her any time shes still in your mind & heart forever. Sorry for your loss. loved ones never leave us they live on through your memories xxx

I think being as truthful as possible, the body wore out and stopped working is quite a good analogy. You need to use the word death and never refer to falling asleep.

I agree as PP said you need to say that person died; children don’t understand all the different words we use and it can be quite confusing. Be careful about saying things about sleep as children can get quite scared about going to sleep.
Also be prepared for your child to ask about what’s happened to that person and if you’re going to talk about heaven. Don’t be surprised if your child doesn’t show much upset or just goes off to play after; their understanding isn’t like ours and it can take years to understand the concept of death