How do you tell a 5 1/2 year old that his great grandpa died?

when i was 5, my grandmother died and i adored her to bits. My mom told me,"Grandma passed away. She isnt here any more, but she can still watch over you and make sure your okay. She'll still be there for you, even if you cant see her. Its okay to be sad, but just know that shes still thinking of you."

I'm not sure how i would explain such events to my own kids, but i think i would try something gentle and reassuring along those lines.

Well my Uncle passed when I was 4. I didn't really know the concept of death then. So I dont think he will. I didn't cry because I really didn't know what it meant. But this past Christmas Eve, my grandpa died and I cried hysterically and I'm so depressed. I'm 13, so I know what death is... But I don't think he'll know. Tell him that he passed away to a better place and he'll see him someday.

i've had no personal experience with this, but a friend told her daughter that papa was sleeping and wasn't going to wake up

Just tell him he has gone to a better place now. If he does ask if he will ever see him again just say I don't know.

you dont tell him