Helping 5yr old cope with death

[yellowgecko]

Aged 3, DS lost his great grandad.
Aged 4, he lost his grandad.
Aged 5, (a month ago) his great uncle died.

Since telling him about the death of my uncle, he's started having recurring dreams that I have died.

This week, the younger sibling of one of his friends has died unexpectedly. It's heartbreaking. The friend is not at school with him but I will of course have to tell DS at some point.

How do I do this? What do I say? 💔

Contact Winston’s Wish, OP. It’s a support charity providing help such as bereavement counselling for children who have lost a close family member. They will have lots of advice for you on how to handle this.

Yes, I was going to suggest Winstons wish, I found them amazingly helpful and supportive.

Winston's Wish sent me a guide on how to talk about death with a young child, the wait time for their helpline is about 5 days at the moment though so it might be quicker to go on their website and order it for yourself.

You answer each question honestly and don't give more than they have asked, when he has processed what he's heard he will ask more questions. My eldest was 3 when his granny died, 5 when his sister died, 7 and then 8 when his grandma and grandad died. Its too much death too young. Bereavement charities will have some helpful leaflets and advice but as for counselling you may have to go private. Most lists are full and closed as I found out. My son is now 13 and still processing and accepting the fact that his sister is gone, but one thing he can do is articulate how he is feeling and knows he can ask me anything and I will answer truthfully.

Afternoon, @yellowgecko - we're so sorry to hear that your DS is having a hard time. As requested, we've moved your thread to Parenting and we hope you get some helpful advice here.