Death

Eight years ago my father passed away from a smoke related illness. My four eldest were all under 6, but still full of questions. I decided to be truthful and not confuse them with religius terms. I didn't want to tell he went away or fell into a big sleep as I thought this might create anxiety about going to sleep or me going and not coming back. I tried to keep my emotions calm around them and explained that when you die your heart stop's beating and your body doesn't work anymore. But this usually happens when your very old. Many children learn about death though their pets or TV, but my father came as a shock and I never had time to prepare them. It is better to be honest, while being sensitive to their age and fears. If you dodge questions it will become more stressful for your child, as their imaginations will work overtime and provide them with more frighterning explanations.