How To Handle Death, Grief and Loss with Your Kids and Build Resilience During Grief

Episode 281 - How To Handle Death, Grief and Loss with Your Kids and Build Resilience During Grief DadSpace: Losing a Pet and Helping Your Kids Through Grief Dave records a somber episode after the loss of Burton, the family dog of 15 years. The conversation explores the deep bond between families and pets, the physical weight of grief, and how dads can guide children through the death of an animal they love. This episode honors Burton and offers support for any parent facing pet loss, grief, and difficult conversations about death. A Family Says Goodbye Burton, a Jack Russell and Beagle mix, had been part of the Campbell household for 15 years. He became ill suddenly, and the family had to take him to the veterinarian, where he passed away. Dave reflects on the small routines that made Burton part of daily life. His nails clicked across the kitchen floor, he stopped for water beside Dave’s recording space, and he settled into the pallet-wood bed Dave built for him. Those sounds now carry a new meaning in older episodes. What Grief Feels Like Dave describes grief as a physical experience. A lump in the throat, heaviness, and sudden waves of memory can arrive without warning, even while working or trying to stay focused. For listeners who believe losing a pet is easy to move past, Dave is direct: this episode may not be for you. For people who understand the real connection between a family and an animal, the loss can feel profound. Pets Teach Kids Dave encourages parents to consider having a pet because caring for an animal teaches responsibility, connection, discipline, and compassion. His family has chosen adoption whenever possible, and pets have been part of his children’s lives from the beginning. He also shares how past pets shaped his sons. Duke, a German Shepherd, became a safe space for his youngest son. Burton’s death now brings another layer of loss for his adult children, who knew him for much of their lives. Talking Honestly About Death A pet’s death may be a child’s first encounter with death. Dave urges dads to be honest, validate emotions, and avoid telling children to hide their feelings or simply move on. He recommends clear language. Say that a pet died, rather than using phrases such as “went to sleep.” Children need to understand that death is real and permanent, even when the conversation is painful. Every Child Grieves Differently Sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, and even relief can all be normal responses. Dave reminds parents not to expect every child to grieve in the same way or on the same timeline. Kids may want to cry, sit alone, talk constantly, laugh, look at photos, or share memories. Parents can make room for each response without judgment. Create Ways to Remember Dave encourages families to create rituals that honor a pet. His children keep the ashes of past pets near the family piano, alongside photos and names. These small memorials help the family remember that love continues after death. Drawing, storytelling, planting something, creating art, or holding a simple goodbye ceremony can give children a healthy way to express loss. Support at Every Age For children ages three to six, keep explanations simple and concrete. Reassure them that the death was not their fault. For ages seven to 12, invite questions and discuss family beliefs around death. Teenagers may need more space to lead their own remembrance and process intense emotions. If grief disrupts sleep, school, friendships, or daily life for more than a month, consider professional support. Be honest, stay present, and grieve together. When dads show children that feelings matter and love does not end with death, they help their kids build emotional resilience. To Burton, thank you for 15 years of friendship. Dave hopes wherever you are, there are plenty of squirrels. ___ https://dadspace.ca Leave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!? https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDave music provided by Blue Dot Sessions Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270