How to explain to a 3 year old about putting cat down...

[Blueeyes101817]

Originally posted by princess lovers mom
when I was 3-4 yrs old our dog was put to sleep and I remember that my Mom told me that the dog went to live at a farm because he was too old and sick for us to care for and he would like it better on the farm.....it wasn't until i was in my late teens that I realized the "farm" was the country vet and he was put to sleep.....

my dog had to be put to sleep when i was about that age..i got the same story..how shadow needed more room to play and not be in a tiny backyard..just like you, it wasnt until i was much older that i figured it out!

 

[leahannpen]

Originally posted by Lisa F
I agree that you should be careful giving out TMI to a 3 year old for fear of completely terrorizing them should mommy or daddy have to go to the hospital... there's already enough fear that they might not come home without giving them a real reason to think that.

You know, reading this thread, I've seen a few of you suggest this, and it makes sense. Now I'm wondering if the little I did tell my son will scare him. Tonight is the night, and yesterday I did mention the doctor to Justin and that Peanut might not be coming back. I hate to change my story now. Ugh! I don't want Justin to be afraid of doctors, hospitals, or getting sick. I hope I didn't do any damage. This sure is harder than I thought. Thanks again for your help and kind words.

 

[Lisa F]

I'm sure you didn't do any permanent damage and frankly, no matter what you say to your kids, I'm sure there is going to be a time when they are going to latch on to ONE thing you say and extrapolate it to give themselves a complex about something. You're a good parent for thinking about this in the first place and after that, you can just do the best you can do.

I forgot to say in my post, I'm also very sorry for your loss. As you can see I'm a kitty person and my heart is breaking for you.

 

[Mom2Ashli]

I am very sorry for your loss! Our animals take a special place in our hearts.

I was also going to suggest the Rainbow Bridge. I just had to put my Greyhound down at the beginning of May. (One of the hardest things I have ever had to do). I was very upfront with my DD (5 yrs). I explained that she was very sick and in pain. And that we just couldn't keep her with us any longer. It was not fair to her. We cried alot together and we sat with our dog and told her that we were doing what was best for her. I made sure that my DD understood that we had to do what was right. And that is was alright to be sad and talk about it. But in a way we had to be happy for our dog. She was going to Heaven and be pain free. And then I read the Rainbow Bridge to her which HELPED explain a little of the unknown to her. The morning that we took her I woke my DD up and let her say goodbye. And to tell her to have fun until we meet up again. We had to read the Rainbow Bridge every night for weeks and we still do every now and than still. And my DD always asks what I think our dog is doing now. Breaks my heart but I tell her things like playing with other dogs and cats.

 

[goofy4wdw59]

leahandpen,
I should have been more specific...when speaking to my 6 and 5 year-old, I had emphasized "pet" hospital and that they tried to make her better, but, she was old, in pain and she died. This was my first experience with this and I thought the truth was the best for my situation. They were not tramatized by it and were comforted when I further explained kitty was in heaven and no longer in pain.
For your 3 year-old, you are the best person to decide what info is appropriate.
I am very sorry for your situation and that is why I posted. It wasn't an easy thing for us and I can understand what you may be going through.
Best wishes to you and your family.

 

[leahannpen]

Originally posted by goofy4wdw59
leahandpen,
I should have been more specific...when speaking to my 6 and 5 year-old, I had emphasized "pet" hospital and that they tried to make her better, but, she was old, in pain and she died.

Gottcha! Makes sense!

We will have a talk with him tonight, before my DH takes her, and make him try to understand. He's pretty sharp, but I think he'll be fine.

Thanks again, everyone!!