Many households consider pets as part of the family with some pets creating a special bond with the children. When this pet dies, it’s understandably devastating for the kids. It may raise a lot of questions that sometimes parents aren’t able to properly handle when the kids mourn the lost of their furry best friend. Here are some tips by experts on what to do when your child’s favorite pet dies:
Honesty is always the best policy. Telling the child stories and euphemistic descriptions of what happened to the dog will only confuse them. However, take notice of how the child reacts and consider his or her level of understanding. The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement says that the ages between 7 and 9 is most crucial since this is the age kids tend to ask more questions and wonder about their own mortality. The death can also trigger worries that other loved-ones may die and it’s best to reassure the child that this isn’t always the case with people.
Let the child grieve in his or her own way. But it may be helpful to also talk to the child and let them understand what this sadness is. To fully achieve closure, it’s also good to hold a simple memorial service which can be done creatively. By having the child participate in marking the gravesite, it helps him handle the loss and framing his thoughts correctly.
Losing somebody they love is difficult for children but if done right, they can emerge in this better and stronger and more positive.
Tags: age kids, best friend, children, closure, death, honesty, households, loss and bereavement, mortality, parent, parents, pet loss, sadness, understanding
