Unless you have had a death in the family or of a pet then you can wait to have this conversation.

Hi, I agree with Arna that you should be completely honest with your little ones about such issues (a tricky one I know!)

Not sure how old your girl is but there is so much you can learn through a picture book and there are so many good ones on the market or I am sure you could find at your local library that deal with the issue of death.  Not only are stories a fantastic way to enjoy one anothers company but they are an excellent source for a discussion. Some that i have read or have read to the children I teach are........

Always and Forever, by Alan Durant this deals with the death of a fox and how his animal friends deal with it.

What Happens When People Die?, by Timothy Robinson

When your Grandparent dies (not sure who wrote it???)

Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant.

When I Die, Will I Get Better? Breebaart, J. & Breebarrt, P

I Had a Friend Named Peter By Cohn, J.

I hope I have given you some good ideas.

Best of luck, Tania

Be honest with your kids.  don't try and sugar coat it, they learn the truth anyway.  I would tell them that they can't see that person any more, because they have passed on.  on to a better place where they can be happy all the time.  I would say that while they can feel sad etc that in the end they should be happy to have known that person.  I would encourage them to talk about how they feel and yeah, I'd drag the fish into it too.  and I've had to! lol.  Her confusion with a cemetary is understandable.  They are just like a big back yard aren't they, only everyone can go there to remember the loved ones who have passed on.  You may have tears and what not, but kids get over things quicker than us hardened adults. lol, wish I could be as resilient!  Hope this helps you and good luck!

We have always spoke to our children on why death occurs..for intance we recently lost a good friend. and we said to the kids that he was in great pain, and needed to be a angel in the sky, so he could be at peace and not hurt no more.. We also tell them that  our loved ones that have passed on, are stars in the sky, and they can look at the sky everynight and think of them... We do take them to the cemetry and put flowers down,,,  As they are so little we feel that this is the best way to explain to them,...

Hope my ideas help....

take care
love cazza