Talking about death with your child

12 Mom’s heart sank as she immediately thought she knew what was wrong. If she was right, how was she going to tell her wonderful little Duck that Fish, the pet he loved very much, had died? Duck’s Mom steadied herself and asked Duck to come out of the kitchen and sit down with her on the sofa in the lounge. Duck was still panicking at this point and kept asking Mom what was wrong with Fish. She looked at Fish for herself and her thoughts were confirmed; Fish had indeed died, there was no doubt about that. Mom gave her little Duck the warmest smile she could and gently led him out of the kitchen saying she would explain when they sat down. 13 ʻDuck, I have some sad news to tell you’ As they went into the lounge Mom put Prickles into her play pen, made sure she was okay and then went to sit on the sofa with Duck. She picked him up, put him on her lap and started talking to him, whilst giving him her full attention. ‘Duck,’ said Mom, ‘I have some sad news to tell you’. Duck was now in tears. ‘Mom, what’s the matter with Fish?’ said Duck. Mom said, ‘I’m very sorry to have to tell you this, Duck, but Fish has died’. Duck looked confused. ‘What does that mean Mom, I don’t understand.’ ... I don’t understand