Discussing a Pet's Death
- bookowlie
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Discussing a Pet's Death
- e-tasana-williams
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- bookowlie
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I agree that the author was too graphic in the section on Bear's illness. If the scene was a little less detailed, as you mentioned, I think kids might be able to deal with the information better,Eatsleaves wrote:I don't think the subject is too sensitive. There are lots of children who experience the death of a family pet, and there are children's books out there to help them through the grieving process. I think this author was a bit graphic in his discussion of Bear's illness, though. It would have sufficed to say he was sick and not acting himself. I agree with other writers in the forum that children may not flock to this type of story, but it's a book parents, teachers or counselors could consider when helping kids who have already lost a beloved animal.
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When dealing with children and death, there is a postive way to tell them, and usually the best way to do that is to exclude some details that are unnecessary.
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I think L_Therese sums it up perfectly. Our dear chocolate lab is 10 years old and dealing with some health issues. While she has rebounded nicely, she'll likely only only be around for another year or two. When it's time, we'll explain to our kids about what's going on using broad terms and answering questions, but not getting into graphic specifics.L_Therese wrote:It's important to have children's books that discuss death and illness, but I would be reluctant to give them to a child who has not dealt with these issues yet. Instead, I would hold a book about a pet's death in reserve to reveal to the child when it is clear that a beloved pet will soon die. Books can be useful tools for understanding pain, sickness, and death and finding the words to express the new feelings that the child will experience. Graphic descriptions are a problem, though. One could include a few signs of illness - loss of appetite, tiredness, and accidents inside the house, for example - but detail is probably not the best strategy with kids.
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I'm so sorry to hear that. I wish your lab, you, and your family the best of luck.Shelle wrote:I think L_Therese sums it up perfectly. Our dear chocolate lab is 10 years old and dealing with some health issues. While she has rebounded nicely, she'll likely only only be around for another year or two. When it's time, we'll explain to our kids about what's going on using broad terms and answering questions, but not getting into graphic specifics.L_Therese wrote:It's important to have children's books that discuss death and illness, but I would be reluctant to give them to a child who has not dealt with these issues yet. Instead, I would hold a book about a pet's death in reserve to reveal to the child when it is clear that a beloved pet will soon die. Books can be useful tools for understanding pain, sickness, and death and finding the words to express the new feelings that the child will experience. Graphic descriptions are a problem, though. One could include a few signs of illness - loss of appetite, tiredness, and accidents inside the house, for example - but detail is probably not the best strategy with kids.
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