Hello!

We’ve just put our nearly 11 year pet rabbit to sleep. My 2,5 wants her little bunny. How can I explain that she is “gone”?


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  • Because preschoolers take your words at face value, it’s important to use simple, accurate language: for example “her heart stopped beating. Her body didn’t work anymore and she died. That means we will not see her or pet her again.” Let your child know it’s okay to be sad.


  • When a pet dies, be honest, accurate, and brief. Parents tend to use euphemisms such as “passed away” or “went to sleep” to describe death. For a young child, words like these may end up creating confusion or even extreme fear about going to bed at night


  • I think it is easier to say he was tired or sick and has gone to sleep and is in heaven or sky and they are up there pointing to a star.


  • Oooohhhhh, such a tough one! Keep it simple as possible to start with. Bunny was sick and had to leave. Maybe buy a replacement to help out


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