In many cases your pet is a family pet, and children will be grieving with you. For each family this process is different and we can advise you where help is available if required. We will talk about a few points here which we have learnt from professionals and families along the way. We appreciate that children often have a very strong bond with a pet, and may have known them all their life, as a buddy, a play mate and a confidante.
For many children the loss of a pet may be their first experience of bereavement and younger children especially may need help understanding the permanence of dying. For this reason the term 'Put to sleep' may be best avoided as it can be confusing.
Children may not react as strongly as you may imagine, sometimes grief catches up with them at another time, and for them seeing you upset can also be unfamiliar and worrying but it's important to let them know it's ok for all of you to be sad.
Making memory boxes, a special planting or a stone painting can help children have a place or object to focus on when remembering their pet.
Reading a book with your child can really help with understanding, here are two you may find useful:
It is good to let teachers and other caregivers know what has happened to enable them to support your child. Above all, do what feels right for you and your family.
For many children the loss of a pet may be their first experience of bereavement and younger children especially may need help understanding the permanence of dying. For this reason the term 'Put to sleep' may be best avoided as it can be confusing.
Children may not react as strongly as you may imagine, sometimes grief catches up with them at another time, and for them seeing you upset can also be unfamiliar and worrying but it's important to let them know it's ok for all of you to be sad.
Making memory boxes, a special planting or a stone painting can help children have a place or object to focus on when remembering their pet.
Reading a book with your child can really help with understanding, here are two you may find useful:
- 'Missing my Pet' By Alex Lambert, age 6 which is told from a child's perspective
- 'Badger's Parting Gift' which is aimed at helping with bereavement called
It is good to let teachers and other caregivers know what has happened to enable them to support your child. Above all, do what feels right for you and your family.
