When a pet dies: How to talk to children about loss and death (opens original article in a new tab)

The article discusses how to help children cope with the death of a pet, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging their grief, involving them in practical steps, and maintaining routines while being honest about mortality.

• Pets can be seen as family members, and their death can be emotionally significant for children
• Counsellors recommend allowing children to express grief without trying to fix their feelings
• Practical steps like involving children in pet's remains disposal can help acknowledge the loss
• Children may show grief through various behaviors, not just sadness, and consistency in routines is important
• Parents should be honest with children about death and mortality, acknowledging their own discomfort with the topic