So how to explain death to a toddler

Re: So how to explain death to a toddler

• KathrynMD member

  July 2012

  

  So sad for you.

  I would totally prepare him ahead of time.  I would just talk alot about how Nana's very sick and she's probably going to be going away soon.  And, you won't be able to see her or talk to her for a very long time, but you will always be able to think about her and kiss her pictures.  Is there something special of hers she can give him now (or that you can give him for her?)  And, just make sure he knows its OK to be sad and miss her and that you are sad and miss her too. 

  Obviously, there are alot of books about it too.  Its kinda different for you guys though because they are so close and he's seen her sick. 

  

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• Mella&T member

  July 2012

  I have no advice for you but I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am and that I will keep you you and your family in my thoughts and prayers...peace for your mother and strength for you. I know I will have to one day explain to Bailey where her Nana and Grandpop are, but for now we talk to their pictures all the time and I tell her stories about them often. I think just creating a very happy, peaceful picture about heaven (or whatever it is you believe) for your son will help him to be OK with it all. ::major, major hugs::
  

  
  Someone's getting a little brother!
  
  

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• weezie825 member

  July 2012

  Short post- baby is crying...  get the book Waterbugs and Dragonflies.

  HUGS!

  https://www.amazon.com/Water-Bugs-Dragonflies-Explaining-Children/dp/082981180X

  

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• DoIreallyWantToChangeMyName

  July 2012

  My grandma took care of me and lived next door to us when I was little. She died of cancer when I was almost 4. Her funeral was the earliest memory that I have. I remember that I was told that she was very sick and when she died they told me that she couldn't stay with us because she went to heaven. Prior to her death, my parents got me a stuffed Ziggy doll that I gave her to "get well." When she died, they gave me the Ziggy back and told me I had to take care of it from then on. I think it was helpful that I had something of hers to remember her.

  Become a Fan of Baltimore snowballs
  

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• Kaybee44

  July 2012

  Hugs to you, Stef!!

  Love the previous suggestions. My sister works in hospice care and they can give you suggestions about how to explain it to JD. I can put you in touch with her if you want to see if she has any ideas. 

  

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• KathrynMD member

  July 2012

  DoIreallyWantToChangeMyName:

  My grandma took care of me and lived next door to us when I was little. She died of cancer when I was almost 4. Her funeral was the earliest memory that I have. I remember that I was told that she was very sick and when she died they told me that she couldn't stay with us because she went to heaven. Prior to her death, my parents got me a stuffed Ziggy doll that I gave her to "get well." When she died, they gave me the Ziggy back and told me I had to take care of it from then on. I think it was helpful that I had something of hers to remember her.

  awww - that's so sad.  I'm sorry

  

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• had720

  July 2012

  KathrynMD:

  

  Hugs to you and your family! So sorry!
  

  I would totally prepare him ahead of time.  I would just talk alot about how Nana's very sick and she's probably going to be going away soon.  And, you won't be able to see her or talk to her for a very long time, but you will always be able to think about her and kiss her pictures.  Is there something special of hers she can give him now (or that you can give him for her?)  And, just make sure he knows its OK to be sad and miss her and that you are sad and miss her too. 

  I agree with above!
  

  Hope (32), James (36), Sophee (1 year old), McKenzee (7 weeks)

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• madladybride member

  July 2012

  I'm sorry about your mom. I agree with talking to the people at hospice about how to broach the subject. Good luck!
  

  

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