Thanks! Great post. I needed to see this.
As it sometimes happens, parents see the little ones as more grown up than they really are and start to share with them the worries or fears. At an age, where children primarily learn by imitating their parents, this starts shaping their questioning and impressionable minds the wrong way. It is very important for parents not to credit their children with understanding and reasoning powers beyond their age. To compartmentalize. To actively remember that they are being observed. And to set as best as possible an exemplary example. While at the same time carefully and gently exposing/guiding the child to reality.
Thanks for sharing your story. The very fact that you think so much for your child shows that you are a great father! Good luck. And happy parenting.