When a Family Pet Dies

Pets are often felt to be "one of the family" and a companion for children when they are growing up - an individual who is loved in life and greatly missed in death. When a pet dies, it can have a huge impact on children, and it is important that parents are equipped to understand and support their children.

JoAnn Tuzeo-Jarolmen explains that children grieve for a dead or missing pet as they would for a family member, and gives guidelines on how to identify signs of grief in children. She describes the differences between child grief and adult grief, and takes the reader through the major developmental stages in a child's grieving process, explaining the common types of behavior and emotions experienced at each stage. She also discusses whether or not pets should be replaced and how to encourage children to "move on."

This easy-to-read guide to children's grief suggests methods for sensitively addressing the emotional needs of children and gives age-appropriate strategies. It is an informative resource for parents and carers as well as counselors and those in the caring professions.