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Do’s and Don’ts of Helping Kids Cope With the Loss of a Pet

McGee Monument Co., Inc • Mar 03, 2022

Losing a pet is difficult at any age, but it can be especially hard for children since they may have little to no experience processing death or grief. A memorial service with pet headstones and personal stories may help families celebrate a beloved pet’s life, and here are a few extra steps that may be beneficial for parents of young children. 

Do:

Be honest and straightforward.

The exact language may depend on the age of your child, but use straightforward and simple wording. Don't lie and say that their pet ran away, as this may give them false hope that their furry friend may one day come back. 

Carefully explain that pets can only spread happiness for a limited number of years. If your family is religious, bringing up the afterlife may be helpful, as it can give your little one peace of mind that their friend is still happy somewhere. 

Allow them to ask questions.

Once you explain what has happened, your child may have follow-up questions about what death means, when their pet is coming back, or why pets pass away. Make sure they know they can come to you with questions at any time since this may help them process their feelings. Keep the answers simple and direct, yet age-appropriate.

Don’t:

Get a new pet right away.

Your family may eventually benefit from adopting a new pet, but take the time to grieve fully first. This may take a few weeks or even several years. Rushing to adopt a new friend too quickly may prevent everyone from coping with the loss.

Wait until your child no longer seems sad. Then, if they start asking about getting a new one, talk through the decision as a family. 

Hide your own feelings. 

It’s normal for parents to be upset when the family pet dies. Some assume that showing their grief may make children sadder, but it can actually help them feel less alone. Don’t force sadness upon them, but be honest about your own feelings so that they’re comfortable opening up if needed. 

If you’re looking for pet headstones for a memorial service, contact McGee Monument in Morrilton, AR. The company creates custom monuments, headstones, and urns for families throughout the area. They also provide personalized engravings and special cuts to satisfy every family member’s unique wishes. Visit the website to see examples of their pet headstones, or call (800) 750-0177 to speak with a compassionate team member. 

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