However, a lack of adult response to a death can create more confusion for children. Allowing children to see their parents' emotions helps them understand that each member of the family is important and irreplaceable. It also gives children permission to express their own feelings openly. Use resources . When a child's pet dies, the adults who are significant to that child should be informed of the family's loss.
Significant adults can provide a structure for additional support to the child.
These adults might include relatives, neighbors, teachers, coaches, school counselors, social workers, family therapists, members of the clergy, and counselors or support group facilitators who specialize in pet loss. Even though social workers and family therapists may be highly qualified and skilled at what they do, they may not be trained to deal with grief, children, or issues of pet loss. If a child is in need of additional support, find a human service professional skilled in these area. There are no correct time limits for bringing a new pet into the family, but parents should sensitively explain to children that it might not be helpful to rush into getting a new pet. It is important to take time to remember their friend who has died and to have time to think about what kind of new pet they may want to add to their family.