HELPING KIDS COPE WITH PET LOSS

Losing a pet is one of the saddest parts of childhood. Coaching your little one through the process will ensure they have the space to grieve properly and heal from this truly painful experience.

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Anyone who has ever had a pet knows that they are a lot more than just an animal. They become a member of the family and a much-loved part of the household. Perhaps the saddest truth of pet ownership is the fact that they don't live as long as we do. This means that, at some stage, our furry friends will pass away.

Losing a pet can be a deeply upsetting incident for all the family, and it tends to hit our children particularly hard. To them, the family pet can be their best friend who is always happy to greet them with a wagging tail or a deep purr. In tough times, children often turn to pets for comfort. The cheerful disposition and cuddly nature of pets is enough to melt away almost any worry.

When the dreaded day comes, and the pet is no longer around, little ones can be at a complete loss as to how to comfort themselves. They may struggle to comprehend that their pet was there yesterday but is gone today. As parents, we can prepare ourselves to guide our children through the grieving process.

BREAKING THE NEWS

It's likely that you will first become aware that your family pet has died and therefore it's your responsibility to tell your child. This is a very difficult task but it's one that must be done with as much gentleness as possible. It may be the very first time that your child has experienced any form of loss, and so it should be handled carefully.

A safe space

When planning to tell your child that their pet has passed away, try to choose a safe space for them to hear this news. Somewhere quiet, comfortable and private will enable them to truly express themselves without being interrupted.

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