I don't know how to explain this to my 2 year old?

Question

my grandfather passed away last night and i have no idea how to tell my 2 year old daughter. she knows that he was very sick and she understood that. and we live with my grandparents so she's going to notice that he's not here and i'm just not sure what to say.

Answer 1

Hi I am so very sorry about your loss.

In my experience with children I find telling the truth is the best thing.
They will then ask more about the situation if they need more information.
Please don't tell her any lies which may came back later and you will have to explain again in the future.

Some people tell their children that they have gone to the sky and they have a family ceremony where a balloon is sent up to their loved one. This is acceptable as if your beliefs are that people go to heaven then the balloon going to their grandparents is something which they can understand.
good luck

Answer 2

Oh, I'm sorry for your loss. It's okay to tell your daughter that he went to Heaven. There are some really good books out there that help children deal with death. There is one written by Maria Shriver, I can't remember the name of it, but I'll look it up and include a link. There is also one called The Fall of Freddie the Leaf. If you look up either of these on Amazon, more recommended books will come up on the subject, you can browse and see which one will help. Mostly, just be there for her and answer any of her questions the best way you can. It's okay to let her know you are sad. Don't get upset if she doesn't cry or seem to be upset about this, kids handle death differently, and at the age of 2 it still won't seem like a permanent thing to her. Good Luck. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Whats-Heaven-Maria-Shriver/dp/0307440435/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/002-0012026-5524024?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1183291995&sr=1-2
P.S.- Check with the funeral home that is handling the arrangements, they often have resources for families with children.

Answer 3

I am so sorry for YOUR loss. This is tough at any age
and harder when people are depending on you ... the temptation
is to hide your grief from your youngsters.

In the long run, however, that can make them more screwed up.

You cry, you remember and you make your kids part of the process.
You grieve, they grieve and it brings you closer.

Alternatively, they spend the rest of their lives grieving silently and
not feeling right about showing grief.

I don't know what your religious orientation is, but this is a key
place for it to come out - if you believe in heaven, then that's where
Grampa went - but the key is to let your kid know that Grampa is
gone and won't be back again, and that he still loves the kid and
it isn't the kid's fault.

The single biggest thing here is to emphasize that YOU are still
there. That is - the kid may be thinking that if Grampa can die ... so can
his parents.

And of course he is right.

But you need to emphasize that as unhappy as you all are about
this, the social infrastructure around the kid isn't going to disappear.
(And if you use the words "Social Infrastructure" with a two year old
then your not understanding the gist of what I am saying...)

Answer 4

I am so sorry for your loss! A soft way to tell her might be to say something like, 'he went with the angels He's not here anymore, but he's in a happy place'. I know all people aren't religous, and am not pushing that kind of thing. But that one is pretty generic. Hope I helped some! Good luck, and again I am so sorry.

Answer 5

I would ask her what she knows about what happens when we die. Then you can work from there. It makes it easier for children if we talk to thier understandings, but they deserve honesty and kindness.

Also, make sure you respond to her questions honestly. But be aware that some children don't seem to react at the time. So wait with patience, if this occurs. Don;t push her.

I'm sure as a parent you will handle this well, and you will talk to her well because you love and know her. Good luck, I know how hard this is.

Answer 6

Explain that her grandfather was very sick and his body stpped working which means he has passed away and he will miss you very much.Enough for a 2-year-old.

Answer 7

my son was 2 when his uncle died,they were very close. we took him to the funeral home with us and took him to the casket so he could see him.He said mommie why wont uncle ____ wake up? i explained to him that sometimes god needs angels and that he told his uncle he wanted him to come live with him in heaven. after a few days he came to me and said mommie ucle ____ is in heaven right? i said yes and told him we would see him one day soon. butot to worry that he is always with him even when he sleeps then he wanted to know why he cant see him when he sleeps and i told him that angels cant be seen,but not to worry bc he was watching him all the time. now hes 4 and he tells everyone his uncle is inheaven and he protects him from gods house bc he lives with him there . i dont know if youre spiritual or not but i try to always be really honest and give a simple but truthfull answer to all his questions...hope it helps

Answer 8

You have to just be honest. Children can handle death better then most people give them credit for.

Explain that grandpa died (and went to heaven if you are religious) and that he will not be coming back. I would say "it's very sad and mom and grandma cry sometimes".

Don't be surprised if it doesn't effect her at all, or if she cries- all children react differently.

Answer 9

how sad for you all..my nephew recently lost both of his grandparents & what his parents did were tell there 2 young kids that nanny & poppy went to heaven & they are now stars.They have named these stars ,talk to these stars & they are there whenever the kids are feeling sad(only of a nite of course)But being only 2 your daughter wont be to alarmed,proberbly a bit lost for a while .hope this helps :)

Answer 10

Tell her the truth. Don`t make up some story like, "He is sleeping or he has gone away". She needs to learn this in life. Try not to scare her.

I am sorry about your loss.