How to Help Kids Remember a Deceased Pet

Losing a pet is just as painful as losing a loved one. Younger children may not understand why their beloved animal had to leave them, so it is important to take the time to explain death at a level they can understand. Once the kids understand what happened, and a burial has taken place, there are some things you can do to help the children remember their precious pet. Participating in various crafts and activities that pay tribute to the deceased pet can be healing for little ones.

Things You'll Need

  • Scrapbook
  • Scrapbook supplies
  • Pet photos
  • Coffee can
  • Flowers
  • Balloons
  • Small tree

Instructions

    • 1

      Create a scrapbook filled with memories of your pet. You can modify scrapbooks to match the age of your children. Younger children may draw pictures of themselves playing with their pet and paste them in the scrapbook, while older children can add a picture of the pet and then write a poem about the pet surrounding the picture.

    • 2

      Place a memory jar on the dining room table. This can simply be an empty coffee can with a picture of your pet on the front. Every time anyone in the family thinks about the pet, he can write the thought down and set it inside the jar. At the end of the week, sit down with your children and read all of the thoughts.

    • 3

      Take the children to the pet's grave site once a month and have them place a flower near the tombstone. After awhile, the visits can decrease to special holidays, such as the pet's birthday or adoption date.

    • 4

      Release balloons together as a way to say goodbye to your pet. PBS Kids recommends creating a message to the pet, then filling balloons with helium and releasing them.

    • 5

      Plant a tree with your kids. Select a spot in the yard where your pet liked to frolic and play. The children can name the tree after their pet, and help take care of it as it grows from a small tree into a large tree. You may even want to place a picture with a memorial message next to the tree.

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