Helping children to deal with the death of a pet

[lovelyjubilly]

Our dd are 7yo and 5yo and their pet stick insect died last night. Thankfully they didn't notice before school this morning but after school they probably will.
What's the best way to deal with this? They weren't particularly 'close' to it as it's not a cuddly pet and it's only about a year old, but it's their first pet and the 7yo is particularly sensitive.
Should we let them see it or 'remove' it before they get home?

Completely involve them, tis a great life lesson unfortunately. Get a small box, allow them to decorate, put some tissue paper in/ cotton wool and place said stick insect and put outside with a sign. Explain that he's gone and won't be coming back but they can go outside to his spot if they want to remember / talk to him.

Hopefully this has gone down okay with your DC this afternoon. I've always found that kids are pretty resilient and cope quite well with death. I'd totally involve them and let them have a funeral if they want. My DC were quite young when their first rabbit died. She'd been a huge part of their lives and they had a funeral for her which they did themselves. Then they moved on.

Thanks both of you. They didn't bat an eyelid at it!