As a parent of two young children, I was always aware I would have to talk to them about death at some point.
My son was nearly three and I was pregnant with my daughter when my amazing granny died in 2018.
Although we still talk about her, my son cannot remember her so he and his sister have not experienced the loss of a loved one.
But after the death of the Queen last week, both my children, age six and three, have become very interested in talking about the subject.
From my son’s point of view this is mostly because his school did a lot to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee in the summer.
After I told him and his sister about the news, he said he felt sad and immediately after that he started to ask about death.
The school treated the situation very well and did a special assembly for the youngsters where they talked about the historic event and what message they wanted to send to King Charles III.
I was also impressed with how Newsround on CBBC presented the news in an informative but appropriate way for younger audiences.
It has surprised me how matter of fact my son has asked about death and spoken about the late Queen and new King.
I have had a lot of questions about when will they die as well as when will my husband and I and their grandparents die.
In response, I have used accurate, simple and appropriate language because I think it is important not to sugar-coat the issue for children.
I think it is vital for everyone to think and talk about death because it will happen to us all and it is crucial to make sure children are prepared for it.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here