in my experience, kids, even pretty young ones, understand the concept of death. No sense in sugar coating it.
Very true and they don't seem so hung up on it
like some 'adults'.
How the child sees the adults cope with it
can be important... as often is the case
actions/example speak louder than words.
Dont deny them their grief and don't exacerbate it.
My 10 yr niece wanted to see grandpa in
the open casket, the mother thought it was
a bad idea.. I suggested take her and she did.
I took it that the mother was uncomfortable
with seeing a corpse, where my niece just
wanted to see her grandpa for the last time.
I thought it would be good for the closure
process in the long run.
