Our pets are beloved and cherished members of the family. When a pet becomes ill or passes away, it is a difficult time for the entire family. Children, depending on their age, may struggle to understand what hap- pened to their pet and how to deal with
Helping A Child Deal With The Loss Of A Pet
by Keenan Knopke
their grief. For many children, the loss of a pet is their first exposure to loss and dealing with grief. As a parent, it can be challenging to manage your own grief while also help- ing your child cope with their emotions. It is unquestionably a difficult and painful situ- ation on many levels. Just like adults, every child deals with
grief in his or her own way. Recognizing your child’s emotions and helping them deal with those emotions in a constructive way can be a valuable life lesson you can guide them through. Below are some tips to help you with that process. BE HONEST Grief is a very painful experience, so it
is understandable why you may want to pro- tect children from this. But not telling a child the truth may lead to future resent- ment and denies the child of the opportuni- ty to grieve. If you know a pet’s health is failing, be honest about it and help prepare them for the loss. Children are smarter than
74 THE NEW BARKER
we often give them credit for and may already notice that something is wrong with their pet. Make your discussions and expla- nations age-appropriate and provide enough detail to satisfy your child without over- complicating your response. BE SUPPORTIVE & COMFORTING Encourage your child to discuss his or
her feelings. Talk in a soothing manner with support and reassurance. It is important to reassure your child that they are safe and that a pet’s life span is much shorter than an adult. Be affectionate with lots of extra hugs and comfort. LETTHEM KNOW IT’S OK TO BE SAD It is important to give your child per-
mission to grieve. Let your child know it's ok to cry and to express their grief. They will also naturally observe your grief. It's ok to cry in front of your child. It validates their emotions and shows them that you loved and miss your pet as well. CREATE A MEMORY BOOK Purchase a simple scrapbook, print
pictures of your beloved pet and then let your child be creative. Creating a personal- ized memory book is an expressive and creative outlet for your child’s grief. Many healthy and healing tears will be shed as you create a memory book with your child. MAKE A HOLIDAY ORNAMENT Creating an ornament for your pet is
another creative way to capture the playful spirit of your animal and keep him close to your family’s heart during the holiday season. You can create a hand-made masterpiece or choose from the many options available that you can purchase and personalize.
www.TheNewBarker.com
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