It is not uncommon for children to experience a great sense of loss when their pet dies. Many times, these furry friends provide children with more love and companionship than they receive from adults. As a result, it is important that adults take the time to help children cope with the death of a pet. There are a number of ways to do this, and each child will respond differently. By being understanding and supportive, adults can help children work through their grief in a healthy way.
Explain what death is and why it happens
“Death is a part of life…” For some this may be true while for others, it is not. Death can come sudden or slowly, but either way, death cannot be avoided. Just like humans, pets go through the stages of grief when their owners pass away. They will eventually adapt to the new living conditions if they are kept in the house and taken care of by family members. It is much harder for pets when they are passed away in animal shelters or if they are abandoned in parks to fend for themselves
Logically, all living things will eventually perish at some point and death is a part of life that can happen to humans and animals alike. Sometimes, however, death occurs at a young age due to incurable illnesses while other times, older people die of old age. For pets, death can occur suddenly or slowly. If the pet is kept in the house and taken care of by family members after their owner’s passing, it will be easier for them to adapt to new living conditions so lets love pets before they left us.
it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or scared after a pet dies
After a pet dies, kids can feel shock and disbelief, Levin ‘s group found. They might ask why it happened or worry about what will happen to their other pets. They might blame themselves for the pet’s death or think they could have prevented it. Children often feel guilt, regret and sadness after a pet dies, Levin ‘s group reported, but those emotions usually fade over time.
Some kids even grieve as though a person has died for example, believing that the pet has gone to a better place or is waiting for them at an imagined Rainbow Bridge, the researchers said. In addition, children often develop a sense of responsibility and a desire for justice after a pet dies, Levin ‘s group found. The researchers pointed out that some kids become more attached to their pets after a death occur
Encourage them to express feeling through talking, writing, drawing, or sculpting
Encourage kids to express their feelings in whatever way they feel comfortable – through talking, writing, drawing or sculpting. It’s important for kids to know that it’s okay to see sadness and anger as part of grief. The change in children’s drawings after the loss of a loved one confirms this, showing once again that children are often much more attuned to their feelings than we give them credit for.
Children who have a difficult time knowing how to express themselves might find it helpful if you offer prompts such as, “I know this is a sad time,” or “Write down one thing that you remember about your mom.” You can also suggest that they try drawing or writing in their diary or on a piece of paper. Some kids may just need to talk it out, while others may prefer writing as a way to express their feelings.
And remember that some children will want words of comfort from you, while others might be more receptive if you offer a listening ear so they can pour out their grief in nonverbal ways. No matter what they choose to do, let children know they can always express their sadness and grief through words or art.
Help them make a memory book or photo album of their pet
Your child’s loss is devastating, so it makes sense to capture a special moment in time, a memory of a happier day. A photo album or memory book will serve as a wonderful way for your kids to remember their loving pet and cherish the good times they spent together. In addition to photos, include other things that bring back memories of your pet, such as a collar or a paw print. You can also include articles about the beloved pet in the book. More ever
- Ask your child what kind of photos and memories they would like included in their memory book.
- Find an album that is large enough for your child to add photos and memories of their pet.
- Have your child work with you, or by themselves, to create the album.
- This can be an ongoing project that you can put together over time. The amount of time it takes will depend on your child’s interest in putting it together