Hi,I lost my partner a month ago and have a 10 year old daughter.She told people that she didn't want them to talk about her dad unless she bought the subject up,she has been able to talk about him without becomin too upset.And we've managed to laugh about some of the silly stuff he had done.She's not one for being smothered in kindness/sympathy,but still comes for a cuddle with me if she's feeling sad or missing dad.I think kids are far more resiliant with these things than us adults,from my experince anyway.Just let him know you're there for him should he need you and take the lead from him.