To let kids stay off school ?

[yellowteapot]

Need to know if this is unreasonable or fairly normal ?
My kids pet rabbit died today when they were at school and they’re very very upset about it . They’re 5 and 6 .
5yo is very sensitive and takes everything to heart , she gets very upset easily , she has sensory issues too and can be overwhelmed very easily .
They went to bed as usual at 7pm but both have been downstairs several times crying . If they’re still crying ect tomorrow should I keep them off or send them ? Neither me or dh had pets as a kid and don’t know what to do for the best ! What do people usually do ??
Sorry if this sounds stupid or has an obvious answer , I genuinely don’t know what is normally done .

I’d send them but let their teachers know what’s happened so they can look out for them. It’s really sad when pets die. The distraction of school will probably help.

I'd send them as purpledaisies said.

There's nothing to be gained sitting at home brooding over it but I would be inclined to give the poor bunny a proper send off to help them process it.

When I was about 9/10 my pet rabbit got killed by a fox. I was distraught. My mum kept me off for the day as I was so upset. I kept some of his fur and still have it nearly 30 years later.

What purple said but when they come home have a bit of a send-off: put rabbit in a box with some hay and its toys and bury it in the garden, remembering the good times. They could bury a card or picture they’ve drawn.Having them involved will help them.

Agree I'd probably send them but let teacher know so they understand why the kids aren't 100% and can support them through any wobbles

Sitting at home thinking about it is just going to make it worse and then you'll have the same issue tomorrow whether to send them in or not on Wednesday

I see the sense in previous posters, but if it were me and the children were still really upset in the morning, I would keep them off school and spend the day with them, giving bunny a good send off. They will remember that for ever and are not going to miss anything important in a single day of school. We have bunnies and I know my DC would be devastated.

Thanks I think you might be right in that a distraction will do them good . We have nowhere to bury him , he’s going to the vets to be cremated but maybe buying a houseplant or something to remember him by will be nice for them .
I feel a bit helpless seeing them so upset :(

When I was about that age I had a pet mouse who I addored. When she passed away I was compleatly distraught. My mum made the decision to keep me of school the next day, we went and got another one (Well, a hamster) together. I have never ever forgotten that day, I remember it so clearly! I oftern even now think back to it and appreciate what my mum did.

I would send them to school. They need the distraction.
It's a pity you can't bury him.
I would go and buy a couple of helium balloons tomorrow and then when the kids come home I would get them to draw a picture and rite what they want to/ are able to with help on it. Tie drawings to a balloon and then go into the garden , light a candle, say a few words about how much you all loved bunny, how much you will miss him a nd how you know he will be at the rainbow bridge with all of the other animals.
Then let the balloons go.......
It's a good way of helping your children since you can't have a burial.
Well, that's what I would do anyway.
Give them a little cuddle from me. I dreamt about one of my dogs last night and it's twenty years since he died. When I woke up I could feel his weight on my legs. It's never easy loosing an animal so make sure they get the chance to grieve.
If you are old enough to feel love, you are old enough to feel grief.

Write. I do know how to spell. My bloody iPad seems to be loosing the ability though!

I also would.

I have found with my DS they do treat death differently and return to routine is in many ways comforting...Though yes do mention to teacher..

Agree with pp about sending them in, letting the teachers know. Distraction will help, it will get easier for them over the coming days/weeks. I think you sound very supportive and that’s the main thing