My ds who was 3 in Feb has become aware (rather earlier than I expected) of the fact of his own mortality. He's scared. I think possibly what bought it on is visiting my dad abroad who had cancer but is in remission. Dad is v scared of it coming back and quite anxious and down. I thought we hadn't talked about it in front of DS...
DS veers between saying "I don't want to die" and "we're never going to die". I haven't proffered information but have tried to answer questions factually but reassuringly - ie that it happens when people are very old and tired and he will have a long and happy life. I say it is like falling asleep. I just think he is too young to have realised it is all going to end one day and the fear on his face last night was a very difficult thing for me to see. I wish I could give him some comfort.
Nursery have said he's acting stressed and have had to implement a 'now and next' chart to help him deal with transitions from one part of the day to the next.
At home he seems to be angry and screamy and emotionally volatile more than he used to be.
Maybe it's just a stage. I hope so because I'm concerned for him.