I was never expecting this question this early from my four year old. See the girls call my mom and dad yay-yay and paw-paw. Well we were talking this morning how daddy is with his family in Florida. Madisyn said yes mommy I know daddy is with Uncle Shelley (she gets this backwards all the time suppose to be Aunt Shelley hahaha), but where is daddy’s mom and dad just like yay-yay- and paw-paw are your mom and dad.
A shocking look took over my face. How on earth was I suppose to answer on the level she can understand. See DH’s parent’s passed away before we were together so our girls never got to meet their grandparents on his side. It really is sad because I know they would have thoroughly enjoyed them. Sometimes I wonder if they visit the girls because they will out of the blue be talking to someone in thin air. I’ll ask them who they are speaking to.. oh its just somebody mommy. So hmmmm?
I just sort of changed the subject when Madisyn asked me this question this morning. I really want to think of a way to answer so she will understand. Any advice anyone?
I don’t know how, but I found this link you might learn something from.
http://www.hospicenet.org/html/talking.html
HUGS
HI Jen 🙂
What a cute blog you have! I loved the Mom My Ride video – looks like mine is already done LOL
Just a note about this post. My dad passed away 12 years ago and my kids of course never met him. I do put flowers out at the cemetery though and the kids are always with me.
Doing that brought out all kinds of questions – and still does – like where is Grandpa? I say he is in Heaven and they ask who is in the ground then??? Pretty icky questions i guess but they need to know i think (by the way i tell them that in heaven people don’t need their bodies so that’s what is in the cemetery). Anyway I’ve always been chatty about it so they would feel okay with it all.
I’m thankful now, especially that i was so chatty about it because a year ago we lost my husband’s best friend’s wife. We have kids the same age. Of course her son is around a lot and i’m glad that when he talks about his mom in heaven my kids are very relaxed about it. It’s been amazing watching the two 5 year olds support each other about death of all things 😉
I think if you are very calm about talking about death and heaven (if that is your belief) then your kids will have a great base for later in life when they may have to deal with the death of a pet or loved one 🙂
Crystal