How to Explain Euthanasia to Children

Euthanasia is a difficult concept for adults to understand, let alone children. The idea of euthanasia may come up while you and your children are discussing a sick animal or during religious sermons. If your child has questions, you should be prepared with some answers.

Instructions

1. Be age appropriate. Talking about euthanasia with a 6-year old who doesn't really understand death, will be very different than discussing it with a 12-year old who may remember losing a beloved pet or a grandparent. Use appropriate words and don't get too technical about what euthanasia may involve.

2. Avoid euphemisms. Telling children that euthanasia or death is like going to sleep may trigger sleeping problems. In addition, telling children that God wants the pet may make children angry with God.

3. Let children know it's okay to be sad if you're explaining why a pet must undergo euthanasia. You can show them the logic of relieving the pet's pain, but you must expect them to react emotionally.

4. Enlist your clergy for help, if your family is religious and you're discussing human euthanasia. Some religions oppose euthanasia and a clergy member may be able to explain why better than you.

5. Be prepared to continue the discussion, especially if you're explaining euthanasia to a teenager. This is a hot button topic and you can encourage teenagers to go out and do their own research about human euthanasia.