When a pet dies, treat your child as tenderly as you would if it were Grandpa who had died.

* Reassure your child that she or he is not to blame. For example, “Goldie was an old fish. When fish get old, their hearts stop beating and they die. Nothing you did or didn’t do could change this. I want you to know you’re not responsible.”
* Social rituals, such as funerals or memorial services, can help. Plan a little funeral with stories, flowers, burial even refreshments afterwards. It’s part of saying goodbye.
* Release helium balloons to connect and let go. Before the funeral, have kids write notes to the pet, then attach to helium balloons and release at end of service.