{"id":7764,"date":"2022-10-12T14:41:41","date_gmt":"2022-10-12T14:41:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=7764"},"modified":"2022-10-12T14:41:41","modified_gmt":"2022-10-12T14:41:41","slug":"helping-children-grieve-the-loss-of-a-pet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/helping-children-grieve-the-loss-of-a-pet\/","title":{"rendered":"Helping Children Grieve the Loss of a Pet"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Everyone experiences loss in a different way, and that includes children – no matter their ages. Often, the loss of a pet is a child\u2019s first experience with death. While a complete understanding of death can vary by child, kids are aware of the loss and grieve at their developmental level. Parents can help children feel safe and build positive coping strategies that will serve children as they grow and experience loss in the future.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Overwhelm<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Children tend to grieve differently than adults; they may grieve in shorter bursts over a long period of time. Switching from grief to another task, such as play, can help children keep from becoming overwhelmed.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Be Concrete<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

When talking about death with children, it is helpful to be concrete. Use the words \u201cdied\u201d, \u201cdead\u201d, or in the cause of euthanasia, \u201chelped to die.\u201d \u201cWhen the body stops working\u201d can be used as an explanation for death or chronic illness. Well-intentioned euphemisms such as \u201cput to sleep\u201d can be confusing and alarming to children and create fears around sleep and bedtime.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. <\/span>Provide a Safe Space<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Sharing your feelings of grief with your child, on their level, can help normalize the experience and let them know these feelings are okay. This promotes healthy experiences with grief and loss in the future.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Help Your Child Memorialize Your Pet<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Memorializing your pet can help your child experience their grief and honor their beloved pet. Here are a few memorial ideas:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n