When explaining to children that their beloved pet has died, you are undoubtedly the best judge of how much information your children can manage to cope with. For example, being “put to sleep” may need to be explained further, as may the saying “going up into the sky”. Equally, the explanation of “he went away” might cause your child to worry that they did something to cause the hasty departure of their friend.
Being honest about the situation can sometimes help to allay their possible fears (and misconceptions) about death and what happens after a loss. Many children can cope with using the word death. It gives them a definite explanation of what has happened.
Some ideas to help with your explanations are:
- Concentrate on the happy times with the pet. Share stories with your children, remind them of a certain event or occasion and keep photos of them with their pet
- Saying that the pet was very old, very sick and the sickness made him hurt
- Reminding your children that their pet was never going to get any better
- If it was a sudden loss, honesty might be the best policy. Then be there to help them grieve
- Encourage your children to talk about their pet, draw pictures of them or write stories and poems
- Remember that just because the pet is no longer a fixture in their daily lives, it doesn’t mean that the pet can’t still be a part of their daily lives.
One way that might help your children to with the loss of a pet is by installing a Pet Memorial Plaque in your home or garden. It’s a tangible and visible way for them to remember the happy memories they have of their companion. It also gives them time to say goodbye and grieve for their companion before their next pet (and new personality) possibly comes along.
Good luck!
Read more about how some of our customers have used their Pet Memorial Plaques, and why a Pet Memorial Plaque may help to overcome the grief of losing a pet.
Remember that the staff at Phoenix Foundry have lots of experience in helping customers choose their products. Please feel free to contact Phoenix directly to discuss your ideas over the phone or via email.
Read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for details about ordering and pricing.
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