Children express loss differently than adults. Depending on the age, children in pre-operational age may understand loss quite differently than older children. Ideas of non-permanence of death, or magical thinking are all common issues that can exist within a child. Furthermore, understanding analogies about death can confuse the child. Many times, parents hide the first experience of death of a pet from a child. This robs the child of learning about death and life. Also, sometimes parents will keep children apart from the process of saying good bye to a dying pet. This to can cause grieving issues for the child.

It is important for children depending on age to play a certain role in understanding and partaking in the event of death. Keeping it hidden or keeping them away from the event does not help the child grieve or learn about life and death itself.

Please also review AIHCP’s Pet Loss Grief Support Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Pet Loss Support.