Joanna Fortune: How can I help my five-year-old get over Granny's death?

"We need to be aware of how we speak about death with young children. Avoid abstract or vague language such as ‘we lost granny’ or ‘granny has passed’. Instead, talk factually yet sensitively about her death using clear, unambiguous language."

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My lovely grandmother died last year. She lived nearby, so I often called in with my children. She was always kind and warm despite being frail. My youngest daughter, aged five, is finding it difficult to come to terms with her death and gets tearful whenever we mention her name. What would you suggest?

Grandmothers can be very special people in our lives, and it sounds like this is the case for you and your children. It’s wonderful that you enjoyed such a close connection with her, but of course, her death is a significant loss for you and your children.