Dealing with the Death of a Pet

Strategies for Helping Children Cope with the Loss of an Animal Dealing with the death of a pet isn't easy for kids to do -- and it isn't any easier for parents to watch them feel down in the dumps over the loss of their animal. Unfortunately, the death of a pet is one of those tragedies parents have no control over. But moms and dads do have power over how they choose to help their children cope. Give Children Time to Grieve Their Pet's Death Grieving is a normal part of dealing with death. So naturally, children will feel sorrow over the loss of a pet. Parents should validate their kids’ emotions by letting them know that it's okay to feel sad, cry, or want to spend time alone to think. Be sensitive to children’s feelings. Avoid saying things like, “It was just a hamster. We can pick another one up on the way home from... [read full story]