How to Talk to Kids About the Death of a Pet

Parents can̵7;t protect their child from the emotional pain of losing furry or four-legged loved ones, but they can help their child through the grieving process. The pet that serves as a source of joy and companionship for your child often represents her first experience in dealing with mortality, the National Association for the Education of Young Children points out. Parents, who still struggle with issues related to death themselves, may agonize over what to say to their child -- and how much information to share.

Instructions

    • 1

      Avoid telling your child that the pet ̶0;went to sleep̶1; or ̶0;became very sick,̶1; suggests the KidsHealth website. Young children hold a literal interpretation of their world and may fear going to sleep or appear anxious about a sniffle following this explanation. It̵7;s OK to explain that dying means the pet̵7;s body no longer functioned in a way to sustain its life.

    • 2

      Expect young children to struggle with the fact that death is permanent. Your young child may ask you where the pet is or when the pet will return. After ages 5 to 6, your child may understand that death is irreversible, the KidsHealth website explains.

    • 3

      Resist the temptation to say the pet ran away or took an extended trip. Although your motive to initially spare your child a painful life lesson may feel justified, you risk jeopardizing your child̵7;s trust if she learns the truth. Additionally, you lose a valuable chance for your child to learn about a topic she will face many times over the course of her lifetime.

    • 4

      Reassure your child if she questions whether you or another loved one will die, but remain honest with her. Explain to your child that while everyone eventually dies, people do not usually die until they are much older. Base additional explanations on your child̵7;s developmental level and the types of questions she asks.

    • 5

      Help your child though the grieving process. Don̵7;t try to camouflage your own feelings of sadness. Model that it̵7;s OK to feel sad, lonely and cry about losing a pet. Tell your child about a pet you loved as a child, KidsHealth recommends. Talk about the happy memories you have about the pet, and explain that although the pain of losing the pet diminishes, the smiles associated with the pet remain.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Speak to Your Child About Baptism
      Baptism is one of the most significant ordinances in Christianity and represents an important step in the faith walk of believers of any age. Colossians 2:12 and Romans 6:3-5 compare a Christians baptism symbolically with death, burial and resurrecti
    • Types of Relationships for Fathers & Sons
      Fathers and sons share different types of relationships, depending on the people involved, the family dynamic, familial situations and many other factors. The encouragement to be openly close is not as strong for men and boys as it is for girls and w
    • About Baby Boys
      Having a baby is a very rewarding and challenging experience, especially challenging if you are going to be a first-time mom. There are many things that a new mother will need to know about her new baby boy that will help her on the new journey into