how the fuck do I deal with this?!

[mumof3hyde]

So, DD - 13, has just had to deal with her first grief...... the loss of our family cat who had been with us since before DDs birth. She knows nothing else and I feel like she needs a distraction. This only happened a week ago, so I feel it's too soon for a new cat. How long should I wait? What else will cheer her up? Also, her step dad, my boyfriend, doesn't want a new cat and has said this to her, which makes her upset. HELP!!

Poor love. We lost our cat late last year and my dd (20) was devastated. It's true that time does make it easier, although we still reminisce on occasion. I agree it's too soon for a newbie. How about planning a nice day out somewhere, just the two of you? What sort of things does she enjoy doing?

I think although distractions can be a good thing, it's a sad time for her so let her feel what she feels.

I remember when our cat died when I was 11. I felt so sad for a few months probably but as with all grief it gets easier with time.

I know our first instinct as parents is to make our children happy, but sometimes when things like this happen it isn't possible, not straight away.

If it were me, I would ask her if she wants to do anything special but I wouldn't talk about getting or not getting a new cat at the moment.
xx

Ahhh bless her - i know how she and you feel - time is the answer

Goodbye Mog was a good book to read

Very wise answer by Perfectly- she may actually need to feel what she does feel. Experiencing grief is a healthy and natural thing, and it won't be the last time, so I would let her do just that, and let her feel that you understand her and sympathise.

Let her grieve, feel sad but try to focus on some happy things too. We lost two cats and a dog last year (not a good year for pets). Ds is still sad sometimes about them

Thank you all for your sweet replies! Still unsure of where to take her for a day out... a theme park or shopping type thing?