How to Deal With a Hamster Dying

Your child's favorite pet, their hamster, just died and you have to help them deal with the death. While this is a hard time for you and your family, being prepared for this is the key to dealing with your pet hamster dying.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Let the child know the pet isn't coming back, if they're especially young. Young children may not be able to comprehend death and think of it as the pet disappearing.

2. Talk with your child to let them know they didn't do anything wrong and the death of the hamster has nothing to do with them. If they were accidentally responsible for the death, avoid blaming them or being angry with them. If they deliberately killed the hamster, take them to your care provider for an assessment.

3. Allow children to process the death of the hamster. This isn't something that will be over in just one talk. Your children may need to address it repeatedly. Let them keep talking about it.

4. Think carefully before getting them a new hamster. Your first inclination may be to replace the hamster, but many children won't bond with the new pet since they're afraid of being hurt again. Give it at least a few months and then ask if they would like a new pet.

5. Have a funeral for the pet. While this may seem silly to you, it gives your child a little closure on their pet's death.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid telling your child the pet went to sleep or God took the pet to heaven. This confuses and frightens children about death.