Anyone who has ever owned a pet knows that they are another member of the family. This is especially true for children: when they walk into the house, they are their best friends, and when they are depressed, they go to someone for comfort.

If your family has pets, it is inevitable to have to say goodbye one day. For children, losing a pet may be their first death. But even if it is not, they still need help to deal with the heartbreak involved. Here are some healthy ways to help children cope with losing their beloved pet.

Share the loss

The way you share news can have a huge impact. Find a quiet place for one-on-one conversations, and try to have clear, direct conversations. To be honest, let your child’s questions guide what you share. If they ask questions about death, you can answer what you don’t know, or you can share your own thoughts.

Depends on how old your child is

You need to measure the level of information they need to hear, But the important thing is to stick to the truth. Children who hear the pet “falling asleep” may have the same fear, and being told that the pet “ran away” may make them feel that they must find their friend.

Cope with loss

The feeling of losing a pet is

Similar to other feelings of loss experienced by children, Such as the death of family members or the divorce of their parents. They will undoubtedly feel sad, but they may also feel lonely, angry, and even guilty. It is important to let your child know that these feelings are normal.

If you are personally struggling to lose, then publicly expressing your feelings can also help. Children know that their feelings are not alone and often feel comforted. You can show them how to properly express and deal with these feelings-this is an important life skill.

continue

In the immediate consequences of losing a loved one, it may be difficult to think about anything other than managing the feelings you, your children, and your family are experiencing. But over time, the immediate sense of loss will begin to subside, and it is important to help children recover and continue their lives.

First help the children remember their pets. The scrapbook is an opportunity to share interesting memories and show the importance of pets to everyone in the family. You can also organize a farewell ceremony, which also helps provide a sense of closure. Giving children time to grieve is important-losing a pet can be a trauma, and it can be more impactful than any other loss they have experienced.

Next, your family may consider keeping another pet. Before you do this, it is important to make sure that your child has fully dealt with their feelings. When that time comes, let them know that you are not going to replace their beloved pet-but to welcome new family members with whom you intend to create new memories with him for many years to come.