How to Help a Child Grieve Over the Death of an Animal

The death of a pet can be hard on children.

Pets are beloved members of the family. A child who has never seen or understood what death is might become confused when a pet is ill and about to pass away. If a child loses her pet due to death from illness or an accident it could be difficult for the child to accept that the pet is gone at first. Parents will need to comfort and explain to the child what happened and why the pet will not return.

Instructions

1. Explain to the child that the animal is sick or injured before it dies, if you can. Talk to the child about death in simple, straightforward terms. Preparing the child by talking about the possibility of death helps a child to understand what might happen. Explain that everything dies but that the memories of love and laughter and fun will remain.

2. Teach your child how to mourn. A child who has never lost someone might not know how to express his feelings. Tell him it is acceptable to feel sad and to cry. Talk about some of the fun times you had with the pet and tell funny stories about the pet. Spend extra time with your child to help her work through the grief.

3. Create a scrapbook of pictures of the pet, if you have any. Place a picture of the pet in the child's room if she wants one. Collect the pet's toys, and ask your child if he wants to donate them to the animal shelter or keep them in a box to remember the pet.

4. Allow your child to hold a memorial for the pet so the child can show her grief. Gather the family around to say a prayer or recite a poem for your lost pet. Talk about how each member of the family is going to miss your dead pet.

References

• The Humane Society of the United States; Coping With the Death of Your Pet; October 26, 2009
• Home Vet; Coping With the Loss Of A Pet; 1997
• Caring Together; When a Pet Dies; 2009