07/24/2026
“Mom, what’s wrong with Salmon?”
When my five-year-old son asked me that question, I already knew our beloved betta fish had died.
For many children, losing a pet is their first experience with death and their grief can be much bigger and more complicated than adults realize.
My new article for Valley Children's Hospital shares practical ways parents and caregivers can help children navigate the loss of a beloved pet, including:
🐾 Using honest, age-appropriate language
🐾 Making space for every emotion
🐾 Answering difficult questions simply
🐾 Creating meaningful ways to remember
🐾 Recognizing when a child may need more support
Children do not need us to fix their grief. They need us to sit with them in it.
We all want to protect children from every painful emotion. However, we really should aim to help them learn that grief can be survived, shared and carried with love.
Read the full article through the link in my bio or at ValleyChildrens.org.
Please save or share this with a parent, teacher, pediatric professional or pet-loving family who may need it. 🤍
