The death of a family pet can bring on the same emotions as the death of a family member, especially if your child was incredibly close to the animal. Kids often view pets as their best friend so always give them a chance to grieve.
Breaking the news
Breaking the news of the death of a pet can be one of the hardest things you will have to explain to your child. If possible, ask the vet to talk to your youngster about what happened. If your pet is old, talk to your kids about what will eventually happen before it does. This way they can prepare themselves.
Tell them what happened
Avoid telling your children that the family dog has been given away or that it ran away. This won’t help them grieve properly as they may very well expect the animal to come home. Be honest and tell them that the pet has died but keep in mind their age and maturity before you tell them anything.
Answer their questions
Make sure you answer their questions as honestly as possible. Offer a clear and simple explanation and keep in mind that their questions will be based on their maturity. It is ok to tell them that the pet died and it is important that you avoid telling them that it was put to sleep or that it went to sleep.
Have a funeral
If possible, have a small funeral for the pet and let your child say a few words. Whether it is a hamster, dog or cat, the ritual of a funeral will greatly help them to say goodbye.
Talk to them
Make sure you talk to them about their feelings. Big kids are more aware of what is going on and are bound to feel overwhelmed every now and again. Encourage them to talk about the pet but don’t push it if they don’t want it. No matter what type of animal it was, show sensitivity towards your child’s feelings.
While you can’t protect them from the grief they are bound to feel, you can help and guide them to make dealing with it a little easier.
