subject: Getting the Kids Over the Loss of Their Pet [print this page] Getting the Kids Over the Loss of Their Pet
Many of us remember as kids losing our first pet. Even now many years later it pulls at our heartstrings, and with a smile we can remember how we vowed we would never love another pet again. Now here we are as parents facing this same hurtful situation with our little ones, who have just lost their first pet. It doesn't matter whether it was a big German Sheppard or a little hamster. Their love for their pet is not measured by its size, nor is the pain of their loss.
One thing you as a parent must not do is take this loss lightly. As sad as it is losing a pet, it really prepares one for the loss of a family member or friend. If they are allowed to express their feelings with the loss of their pet, then they will know they can do so when the times comes that must face the death of a human.
Children are resilient and although the world may seem like it has come to an end today because of their pet loss, tomorrow the pain will have eased. In fact they deal with the loss a great deal better than adults do. This is because as adults we tend to harbor our feelings a lot more.
If the animal is sick you will have some time to prepare your youngster for the possibility of their loss. If the death of the pet is sudden however, it can be quite horrifying if the child is the one that discovers the pet. You will have to deal with the shock as well.
The healing process first begins with just letting the tears flow. Here is where lots of hugs are important. Please don't think a quick hug and a few kind words like, "its okay we will get you another pet", is all that its going to take. You must allow for the mourning period. After the first few hours of tears then the child will be on an emotional merry go round. One moment they will seem like they are over it, and then the next they will be back to tears. You as a parent are just going to have to ride this wave of emotions with them.
If possible try to have some sort of burial ceremony for them. If it is a little pet such as a hamster then perhaps having the child prepare a shoebox and laying the pet to rest in it will work. Then you can discreetly place the box out of sight until it can be disposed of. If there is a chance that you can bury the pet in the backyard this may be an option.
With a bigger pet chances are you have had to take the pet to the vets for disposal. In this case the youngster and you could make a memorial stepping stone to be placed in the garden. These actions are simply allowing the child to adjust to the pet being gone, and letting them say their goodbyes. No different than the small comforts we get out of burying our loved ones with our funeral ceremonies.
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
