Death Of A Pet – How To Help A Child Deal With It?

The death of a pet is always painful. In addition to the sadness you feel yourself, make sure you care for your baby properly. This situation is often his first experience with death.

In this article, you’ll learn how to help your child cope with the sadness of a pet’s death .

The death of a pet – how to help a child deal with it?

It doesn’t matter how it happened – whether it was due to the animal’s long illness or suddenly as a result of a tragic accident. The size of the animal is also not important, nor is it how long it lived with the family. In fact, the death of a pet can be very difficult for children to understand, accept and overcome.

Pets are part of the family. They are children’s playmates and partners in adventures and pranks. After their death, children tend to experience emotional distress, feelings of abandonment, and even fear of losing someone else.

Read on to find out how you can help your child through this difficult experience.

1. Understand your child’s love for a pet

The first step in helping your child with this process is trying to understand what he or she is going through. Perhaps you treat the family pet as simply: a companion animal.

However, for the vast majority of children, a pet is much more than that. This is their best friend. Some children may even see animals on a par with their siblings.

So mourning the loss of a pet is difficult, just as it would be for any family member. This is because no matter what the species of pet, your baby loved them, considering them part of your family.

2. Be sorry for your child

Put yourself in his place. Try to empathize with what your child is going through and understand his situation.

Pay special attention to them because it is more about coming to terms with the loss than with pain. Losing a loved one hurts no matter what.

If an animal dies after a long illness, its death is perhaps more acceptable than if it had been caused by an accident. When a child knows that an animal is sick, death seems more likely.

The unpredictability of certain situations, such as a fatal accident, may be the first time a child learns that not everything in life is controllable. This can make him feel very scared.

3. Death of the pet: avoid making reality coloration

In an attempt to protect their children, some parents choose to say the animal “ran away” rather than explaining that it had an accident and died. Do not do this.

Conversation with a child about the death of a pet is indeed extremely difficult. But your child deserves to know the truth.

4. Play with your baby

Accompany your child in mourning and play with him as you try to distract him.

Some children may even pretend that their cuddly pet is sick and dies. Such a role-playing game can be extremely helpful, even healing. Take advantage of this and use this method to help your child understand and accept the loss in the family.

5. Read with your baby and help him deal with the pet’s death

There are many stories of the death of a family member or pet, such as Brothers Lionheart by Astrid Lindgren or The Third Wish of Tumbo by Magda Małkowska. Take the time to read the story of death to your child, and be sure to talk about it.

6. Express your feelings to help your child understand the pet’s death

Some children find it difficult to express the pain they feel. Become your child’s catalyst and show him that losing a pet has affected you as well.

Teach your child that it’s okay to be sad, that crying is normal, and longing for a loved one is a feeling that affects all of you.

7. Death of a pet – talk to your child

Death usually causes children to ask endless questions. Be prepared to answer them as honestly as possible, but adapt to your child’s age.

8. Honor the memory of your pet

Don’t forget to talk about your pet. It is extremely important for your child to talk about him and remember the pleasant moments spent together. Organizing a small funeral can also be a good way to help your child.

Such a symbolic goodbye to an animal may be what your child needs to feel a little better. However, this does not mean that the pain will completely disappear and the baby will stop missing his pet.

Another option is to make a photo album that will bring back fond memories or to plant a tree in his honor. A moment of reflection with your child may help them feel a little better.

9. Death of a pet – do not replace him with another one

It takes time for your child to deal with his loss and accept that his friend is no longer around.

Don’t try to fill this void with a new animal. Give your child time to fully deal with the loss. Make sure it is ready to welcome your new pet.

10. Watch your child

Moments of tears and sadness are normal. However, if you notice that your child is having nightmares, is unable to sleep, or is very anxious, consult your pediatrician. Your child may need professional advice to help him deal with the death of his pet.

Losing a pet is often the first experience of children with death. Be patient, spend time with your baby and show him how much you love him. Help him overcome the death of your pet gradually. Remember that your child’s pet was his best friend.