[Lorenzo]

I have a nine-year old step-son. We just learned that his real father passed away a couple of weeks ago. No one ever informed us about it, we just learned by chance from a third party. Now our dilemma is how to tell our step-son about it. He never bonded with his real father when the man was still alive and just saw him, less than five times. But even so, I think my step-son needs to know. But how should we tell him?

[polamalu43]

Wow, tough one. I think you just tell him. It will be hard and its okay. Let him deal with it the way he needs to. He might not even have a hard time with it, being that he doesn't really know him. Just be there for your step son.

[Lorenzo]

Yes, we're thinking of telling him anytime soon. We're still finding the courage to do so. Right now, we're soliciting advice from family and friends. Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

[Andersson]

Why in the heck did someone not tell anyone about this? This is like dire news that someone should have at least told someone to pass along the news. That is really sad.

[Michael]

These situations are so sad because you can never go backwards in time. Your step-son will continue to have second thoughts as he gets older. Just be there for him and keep the lines of communication open to him. Tell him you just found out, too, but don't wait too long to tell him.

[jason]

I would sit him down and talk to him. See if he has any questions. I'm shocked though no one bothered to tell him.

[Lorenzo]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. We have already talked to our step-son and he took the news well. Before we had the "talk" I already talked to him about death and why some people have to die early, and so on. I just wanted to prepare him for the terrible news. And, I'm glad he seemed okay about it. He admitted that he is sad but that he knows his real dad is in a better place and he wouldn't have wanted to see him suffer longer.

Again, thank you all.