If your pet is going to be to sleep, the following advice will help you prepare your children.
1. Keep calm
Your child will look to you to see how to react, and while it might be difficult, try to remain calm and not become hysterical.
2. Talk about emotions
If your little one is struggling to understand their emotions, sit down and talk about how it is ok to feel angry and sad.
3. Don’t feel guilty
When faced with a decision such as this, it is completely understandable to feel guilty, even if you are doing it for the right reasons. However, don’t let your kids see your conflicting emotions as they will become confused by what is happening.
4. Only tell them what they need to know
It is important you consider your child’s age when discussing the passing of a family pet with them. Younger children won’t understand minute details but older children may ask and even need a reason as to why it is happening. Think about what you plan on saying before you discuss the issue with your child so that you will be confident talking to them.
5. Question if your child needs to be there
Unless you think it will help your youngster, get them to say goodbyes at home before your take your pet to the vet. You will want them to remember the happy times with their animal rather than an extremely sad day.
