Health Tip: When a Pet Dies

(HealthDay News) -- The death of a pet is a significant loss to every member of the family, but it can be particularly difficult for young children.

Here are suggestions to help your child deal with the loss of a pet, courtesy of the Nemours Foundation:

• Explain to her that it''s normal to feel sadness, anger, frustration and even guilt.
• Let her see that you are sad and upset too, and that it''s OK to cry -- don''t hide your emotions from her.
• Let her know that it''s OK not to want to talk about it at first, but that you can talk openly about it whenever she is ready.
• When she''s ready, share happy memories and funny stories about the pet.
• Encourage her to say goodbye, and offer to have a ceremony to remember the pet.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: July 30, 2007

Copyright © 2007 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.