Grief is a heavy word for anyone. For children, it can be even more confusing and overwhelming. Unlike adults, kids don’t always have the words, tools, or experience to understand what grief means or how to cope with it. That’s why children need help when they are going through loss, especially when the grief comes from something as deeply personal as the death of a beloved pet.
When a child experiences loss, whether it is a person, a pet, or even a major life change, they often feel sadness and confusion. But these feelings can come out in many different ways. Some kids may act out. Others may become quiet or withdrawn. Some may ask hard questions, and others may not speak about it at all. No two children grieve in the same way, and that is exactly why support from adults is so important.
Children and Grief: A Unique Process
Grieving looks very different for a child than it does for an adult. While adults may be able to talk about what they are feeling or understand the concept of finality, children are still learning how the world works. They may not fully understand that death is permanent. They may wonder if they did something wrong or if their loved one is coming back.
In the case of pet loss, for example, children may not understand why their best friend, the one they played with every day, is suddenly gone. They might expect the pet to return, or they may worry that something bad will happen to someone else they love. These thoughts and fears are very real to a child, and without the right kind of help, grief can leave lasting confusion or emotional stress.
That’s why understanding loss in kids requires patience, clear communication, and emotional guidance. Children need to hear that it’s okay to feel sad, it’s okay to cry, and it’s okay to ask questions. They need to know that grief is a process, not something that needs to be hidden or rushed.
Helping Kids Understand Their Feelings
One of the best things parents, teachers, or caregivers can do is talk openly and honestly with children about grief. Using simple, direct words helps more than complicated explanations. Avoiding phrases like “went to sleep” or “gone away” is important because they can be confusing or even frightening for kids. Instead, using truthful, age-appropriate language helps children process what has happened in a healthy way.
Children also benefit from being allowed to express their feelings in their own time and in their own way. Some might want to talk, others may want to draw, write, or just be quiet for a while. As adults, our job is to be present, to listen, and to guide when needed, never pushing them to move on too quickly or pretend they are okay when they are not.
Books and stories can also be very helpful. A story about a character who experiences loss and learns to heal can make children feel less alone. It shows them that others have gone through similar pain and that healing is possible.
The Emotional Impact of Losing a Pet
For many children, a pet is more than just an animal. A dog, cat, or other small friend is often a playmate, a comfort during hard times, and a source of unconditional love. Losing a pet can be a child’s first real experience with death, and it can hurt deeply. While adults might think the pain will pass quickly, the truth is that children carry those feelings with them unless they are given the chance to understand and work through them.
Michelle Lassa’s children’s book, In Hank’s Heart Forever, is a heartfelt resource for children who are grieving the loss of a pet. The story gently explains death and memory in a way that young minds can grasp. It reassures children that it’s okay to feel sad, and it offers a sense of comfort by reminding them that the love they shared with their pet will always live on in their hearts.
Books like this help bridge the gap between confusion and understanding. They give kids permission to feel, to remember, and to begin healing in a gentle and meaningful way.
Supporting Healthy Grief in Childhood
Learning to grieve in a healthy way during childhood builds emotional strength that lasts into adulthood. Children who are guided through loss with compassion and clarity tend to develop better coping skills, stronger empathy, and a deeper understanding of love and life.
The support a child receives during times of grief can shape how they face future challenges. It builds trust in the people around them and helps them feel secure even when life feels uncertain. This is why open, loving support during a child’s grief is not just helpful; it is essential.
A Gentle Path Toward Healing
If you are helping a child through the pain of losing a pet or another kind of loss, know that you are not alone. It’s okay to not have all the answers. What matters most is being there, being honest, and helping them carry the emotional weight in a way that is safe and kind.
Michelle Lassa’s In Hank’s Heart Forever is a touching, beautifully illustrated book that gives children a way to understand grief and find comfort. It is more than just a story; it is a tool that brings peace and healing to young hearts.
Give your child the comfort they need and deserve. Order your copy of In Hank’s Heart Forever today and help them begin the healing journey through love, memory, and hope.