Hello!

“Is there anyone out there who’s children have had to deal with death? My children are 4 and 6 and their dad and I are at a loss as to how to explain it to them. Their grandmother passed away last night (they were really close to her) and we have no idea how to tell them in a way they will understand. If anyone has any tips on how to tell your kids someone close has passed away, please let me know!!”

Posted by Anon, 14/03/13

Want more real mum questions sent to you?

You'll need to check this email to complete your signup.
  • Keep it very simple and honest. We said that dying means you go away and can’t come back.


  • I hope your children were able to cope with the news of their grandmother’s passing.


  • It is very difficult to explain something like death to children.
    & they are going to have a lot of questions you need to prepare yourself for.
    It is very difficult for children to understand why someone goes away & never comes back.
    Ask your child’s school counsellor for books they may suggest reading to your children that will explain death in an appropriate way. The counsellor may also have other tips for you.
    But most importantly, be open & honest.
    Talk about Grandmother, how this happened, what happens next, & remind your children she will always be watching over them.


  • It can be hard! There are really interesting comments on this!


  • maybe telling him the truth is best. they might handle this better than you think


  • Very sad moment in time I lost a baby and we tried to not let our 2 yr old son know by keeping him in the front of the car… when we put him back in the back he straight away asked where the baby was … we were both astounded and speechless… then we just told him she went to heaven to be with god and he asked no more.


  • I hope you have found some helpful suggestions here.


  • There is some really good advice below – hope it has helped.


  • when my husbands pop died my son was very close with him. I simply told him that pa is a cloud in the sky that watches over us sometimes. And he seems at piece with that, still tells me how much he misses him all the time he was 3 when he passes and he is almost 7 now.


  • There is a book called Beginnings and Endings and Lifetimes in Between – it is just perfect for this situation and a lovely book to explain that everything and everyone has a beginning and and ending and life is what happens in between – a beautifully written book


  • They don’t need to understand exactly. To understand they have to b older. But they need to understand they will not b around anymore?


  • They are in the sky with the angels is a nice way to put it.


  • Tell them grandma has gone but she always will love you


  • Its really never an easy thing to do, no matter how old they are.


  • how did you go telling them?


Post your reply
Add a photo
Your MoM account


Lost your password?

Enter your email and a password below to post your answer and join MoM:

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join