Helping a Child Adjust to the Loss of a Pet

According to Dr. Wallace Sife, pets can be silly, childlike, playful, and joyous. It therefore stands to reason that pets make perfect companions for children, who learn about love, trust, and loyalty from their relationship. Pets also provide a sense of security and loving companionship when the child’s parents are not present.

Pets play a special role in the lives of children, and the death of a beloved pet brings great emotional hardship. To help the child adjust, Dr. Sife recommends the following:

– Hold a ceremony for the pet that includes the child. Such an experience strengthens the child’s sense of family unity as well as self-reliance during the mourning process.

– Reminisce fondly with the child about the pet. Use pictures or drawings, and associate positive and happy events with the pet’s memory.

– Ask the local librarian to suggest children’s books that include the death of a pet in the storyline. This will help the child recognize that the death of a pet is a natural part of life.

– Discuss with the child the possibility of eventually getting another pet. Emphasize that the new pet will not replace the beloved pet that died, but will be a new animal friend in need of a good home. Explain that we can love more than one pet at a time, just as we can love more than one person at a time.

– Ask how the child feels about the pet’s death and why. Let them express their views openly, and never argue with them about their feelings. Be supportive, but not critical.

– Inform the child’s teacher about the death of the pet and its effect on the child. Ask for advice, if needed.

Dr. Sife also recommends ensuring that the child has a well-adjusted adult role model to rely on during the grieving process. Children look to adults for guidance and security, and adults should take special care to be open, supportive, and sensitive to children’s feelings as they adjust to the loss of their beloved pet.

We understand – pets are family too! Please contact us for all of your pet cremation needs at (435) 523-4800, or visit us at our beautiful walk-in facility at 1316 S. 400 E., Ste. A3, in St. George. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @PetCremationCenterSU.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @PetCremationCenterSU

According to Dr. Wallace Sife, pets can be silly, childlike, playful, and joyous. It therefore stands to reason that pets make perfect companions for children, who learn about love, trust, and loyalty from their relationship. Pets also provide a sense of security and loving companionship when the child’s parents are not present.

Pets play a special role in the lives of children, and the death of a beloved pet brings great emotional hardship. To help the child adjust, Dr. Sife recommends the following:

– Hold a ceremony for the pet that includes the child. Such an experience strengthens the child’s sense of family unity as well as self-reliance during the mourning process.

– Reminisce fondly with the child about the pet. Use pictures or drawings, and associate positive and happy events with the pet’s memory.

– Ask the local librarian to suggest children’s books that include the death of a pet in the storyline. This will help the child recognize that the death of a pet is a natural part of life.

– Discuss with the child the possibility of eventually getting another pet. Emphasize that the new pet will not replace the beloved pet that died, but will be a new animal friend in need of a good home. Explain that we can love more than one pet at a time, just as we can love more than one person at a time.

– Ask how the child feels about the pet’s death and why. Let them express their views openly, and never argue with them about their feelings. Be supportive, but not critical.

– Inform the child’s teacher about the death of the pet and its effect on the child. Ask for advice, if needed.

Dr. Sife also recommends ensuring that the child has a well-adjusted adult role model to rely on during the grieving process. Children look to adults for guidance and security, and adults should take special care to be open, supportive, and sensitive to children’s feelings as they adjust to the loss of their beloved pet.

We understand – pets are family too! Please contact us for all of your pet cremation needs at (435) 523-4800, or visit us at our beautiful walk-in facility at 1316 S. 400 E., Ste. A3, in St. George. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @PetCremationCenterSU.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @PetCremationCenterSU