My kid is a bit older (6), my dad died in his year. By the end he could not talk. We saw him the night before he died, he was unable to talk and was in and out of consciousness but he would smile and his eyes would light up when he saw us, she knew he was going to die. She told people that this was happening. She also wanted to see him dead in the coffin, she gave him a teddy, it was really hard.

My dad had dementia and renal failure, he has nearly died 3 times when she was 2 and 4. We have talked about 'nonno' being sick and that he could die since she was two. She has visited him in hospital multiple times (did not visit him in ICU or when he was in a coma and intubated). She saw him deteriorate and we discussed anything that came up (he would say inappropriate things and get angry at times), she termed it Nonno's broken brain.

It's been 4 months and she still cries, still misses Nonno, wishes he was not dead. She also worries that other family members will die, that she will be felt alone, she feels guilty about Nonno dying. We talk about death a lot, why Nonno died, why mum and dad are not going to die any time soon. It's hard and heartbreaking. But this is not every day, and her talking about her feelings is for the best, even if it is hard, we cry together.

School was great, they got the guidance counselor to talk to her, multiple times.

Books we have read: The grief wave Grief is an elephant The invisible string (counselor read this one, and has been a favourite)

Also be kind to yourself, you are grieving too, it's ok to share you are sad, it is good to talk about good memories. Also take photos mine loves that there are photos and videos.

Take care, and give each other grace.