Losing a beloved pet can upset the whole family. Whether your pet has an illness and is expected to die, has already died as a result of an accident or disease, or needs to be rehomed, it's never easy to say goodbye. For young children, losing a pet might trigger a range of troubling thoughts and disquieting emotions. Preparing kids to say goodbye to the family pet allows them a way to ask questions, express their emotions, and accept comfort and support from family members, teachers, and friends.
How to prepare for loss and explain death to kids
Books that help children say goodbye to a pet
Using children’s literature to broach challenging subjects can be helpful when you have difficulty finding the right words to comfort your child. Even if you’re able to effectively help your child cope with loss, incorporating additional resources can help your child feel less alone in their grief.
The Goodbye Book is told from the perspective of a pet fish whose fishbowl companion dies. Geared for preschoolers through grade 2, this picture book helps kids sort out unfamiliar emotions.
Badger’s Parting Gifts chronicles the woodland creatures who, upon the death of their wise friend, badger, come together to remember their trusted friend.
The Memory Box: A Book About Grief is told through the lens of a child who has lost a loved one. It encourages families to keep a box of mementos to remember their person and offers instructions on how to create one.
When a beloved pet dies, be sure to help your child take time to grieve properly rather than trying to fill that empty space with a brand-new pet. The healing required to move through the stages of grief is an important developmental step for children and should not be rushed.
