Talking to Your Kids About the Death of a Family Pet
For kids and pets, their connections seem to incredibly deep.
Talking to your kids about the death of your family pet can be incredibly difficult. Pets are members of the family and the bonds we create are deep. So how do we tell them that their beloved companions aren't ever coming back?
1. Be honest and avoid the details. There's no need to sugar-coat it by saying, "Cooper went to sleep," when what happened was, "Cooper ran out into traffic and got hurt really badly. We took him to the vet who did everything he could, but Cooper died."
2. Cry with your child. Now is not the time to hide your emotions. Make sure your child knows that their feelings are valid.
3. If you have a belief system, turn to it for comfort. If your child has a relative who has passed, connecting this person with their pet can be comforting.
4. Memorialize your pet and say goodbye with a letter, a prayer, a funeral, or whatever works for your family.
4. Remember your pet together by posting photos around the home and telling stories about them. Have a special day every year to celebrate them (their birthday or "Gotcha" day.)
5. Move forward. When or if you get another pet is a family decision and depends on a lot of factors, but a new pet won't replace your other one. It will just accept the abundance of love your family has to give.
If you expect to lose a pet soon, the River Valley Pet Cremation Society in Hastings, MN, can help you arrange private pet cremation that's respectful and dignified. A membership will save you $50 off cremation and will cover all current and future pets in your household. Learn more HERE.
