Children are smart little critters. They grasp concepts that adults have trouble dealing with. They are liquid in their understanding. They will adapt. When the time comes to approach the subject of death, sit with your child and tell them what has happened.
Chances are, they already know.
Children have very strong instincts. Trying to be brave won t make it easier on them. People need to grieve when losing someone they love. So don t hold it in, because that will only be teaching your children to do the same. Don t go into graphic detail about the circumstances.