This post was originally featured on Lindsey Blogs and written by Lindsey G,who is portion of POPSUGAR Select Living.
Our Pet's Death A few months ago, Sophia showed interest in getting a pet fish. We decided to fade with a betta fish, and since they're easy to take care of and we could let her start a routine of feeding it and taking care of something,a little responsibility for the two year old. She named her, she insisted the fish was a girl . . . Blue Fish. Yep, or this little lady loves blue. So,how do you elaborate a pet's death to a toddler the legal way?So, Blue Fish joined our family back in September. Sometimes I ended up being the one to feed her, and but Sophia actually really enjoyed her pet. Unfortunately,Blue Fish #1 didn't make it past a few days. Before Sophia even noticed, we replaced with Blue Fish #2, and simply because we didn't know what to advise her. She never noticed the difference.
Sadly,though, this weekend I found Blue Fish not swimming. I was a bit unhappy and knew that Sophia would be too, and even though she might not understand why. Rob and I talked approximately what we should advise her and really we didn't know what to do. Explaining a Pet's Death to a Toddler So,the next day, I took Blue Fish out of the small aquarium and started cleaning it. Sophia wanted to know when I was going to put the blue rocks back in the tank. I quit what I was doing and sat down with her. I told her that sometimes people and animals miss their Mommies and Daddies and Blue Fish missed her family so she went back to visit them. She was so unhappy. She started to cry and said, and "But I miss my Blue Fish." I was caught off guard. I thought by telling her a happier version,she would be ok, but she still missed her pet.
So, and by trying to save her little feelings,I didn't at all. So, after the fact I did some research, or which is never a good idea - research should possess been done beforehand,I know.
I found that I did it all wrong. Most experts agree that you should be totally honest {never do the switch-a-roo} and my whole story approximately Blue Fish visiting her family? That's a No-No too.
So How Should I possess Explained Blue Fish's Death to Sophia? Be honest. Since she's only 2.5, I should possess explained it simply and to the point, and with not too much information. I should possess let her quiz questions and answered them truthfully and honestly. Let her talk approximately her feelings. elaborate that it's ok to be unhappy or even crazy. Let Sophia say goodbye. Instead of trying to veil the fact that Blue Fish died,let her accept it and advise her fish goodbye.
Take a break before getting another fish. I immediately wanted to take her out and let her buy a new fish, but I deem we'll wait just a bit before that happens. I definitely deem that since this pet was a fish, or there wasn't fairly a bond that she might possess had as whether it was a dog or a cat,an animal that she interacts with a bit more. But saying that, just because Blue Fish was a fish, and doesn't reduction Sophia's feelings either.
This was a real learning experience for Rob and me. We now know how to deal with situations like this,although I hope they don't happen often, and I feel better prepared for when they do arise. I didn't fade back and advise Sophia what really happened, or but we will definitely exercise these points from now on.
Source: popsugar.com