How to help children cope with a pet’s death? Remember the good times, feel sad with them
Honest conversations with no euphemisms, sharing the grief and recalling good memories can help children heal and understand a pet’s death
Losing a pet is the first time many children encounter death. The experience can become an opportunity for profound emotional learning and influence how young people understand and process grief when they are adults, according to psychologists and pet bereavement specialists.
Parents and guardians have important roles to play when a family pet dies. Along with helping children accept the painful permanence of death, carers can guide children through a healthy and healing mourning process that provides a foundation for coping with an inevitable part of life.
“People are so adverse to talking about death and grief, but it is the one thing that is guaranteed: we are all going to die. We need to be open to talking about that,” said Deirdra Flavin, CEO of the National Alliance for Children’s Grief, a non-profit organisation.
Here are some things to consider when talking with children about death and supporting them through pet loss.
1. Children respond to death in different ways
Depending on how old they are and their individual circumstances, children vary in their ability to comprehend the concept of death. The way they process grief, how long they mourn and the impact of the loss are also unique to each child, just as they are for adults.
Experts say sadness, anger and other overwhelming emotions associated with grief may be more difficult for younger children to navigate, so having support is crucial.