There's no escaping the fact that pets have a different life expectancy to humans.
So it's nigh on inevitable that sharing your family life with a pet means your child will at some point have to deal with their death.
But just how do you go about explaining the loss of a pet to your kids? Read on for our tips...
As Paul O'Grady famously said,
"Taking any animal into your life will inevitably end in heart ache, but you don't worry about the hangover when you're at the party."
Death is a hard issue to deal with and explain, especially to kids.
But, this may be the first experience of death, especially a close death, so it's important to be prepared for how to explain pet loss to your child.
How to Explain Pet Loss to Children
Just remember that kids mature at different ages and stages, so they may not always understand the concept of death.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare what to say to them.
1. Be Honest
Kids can see through a lie. Worse, lying can cause them to misunderstand the concept of death.
This will create a bigger problem later. Use terms that they can understand, but tell the truth.
2. Explain What Happened
Younger kids might be satisfied with the answer that kitty was sick and is no longer with us.
Older kids might need a bit more of the story.
Tell them that animals have a different life cycle and die from certain illnesses or accidents.
This type of explanation prevents kids from transferring what happened to their pet into a scenario involving their parents or siblings.
3. Visit the Vet
Being a professional, they may be able to help you and your child with the explanation of your pet’s death.
If the pet was put to sleep at the vet, allowing them to see the pet one last time could also help them understand what has happened.
4. Hold a Burial Service
A burial helps to put closure on the subject.
Children may even want to help with the procedure.
Let them say words concerning what they loved about their pet while you join in as well to make the service complete.
5. Discuss the Events
Inevitably, kids will be sad afterwards. When they want to talk, be ready to listen.
It could help your child to cope and recover from the trauma of losing their favourite friend.
Create a memory book or photo book and talk about your favourite memories of your pet.
Finally, be prepared for repercussions as your kids work through their grief.
This may manifest itself as poor grades in school or acting out at home.
Losing a pet can be devastating for everyone in the family, so encourage them to vent their feelings and talk things out, or just sit together and cry.
The first experience of loss for kids is often through the loss of a pet and learning how to explain what has happened in a positive way is crucial to getting them - and you - through the experience.
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