This activity can help children talk about their feelings and concerns about death.

Materials:

• Stuffed animals or comfort toys
• A book about the death of a pet (optional) -- see the booklist

Directions:

If you, yourself, had a pet who died, you might begin by talking about how you felt when the animal died. Some of the children may have strong feelings about the death of their pet or someone they cared about, and they might want to snuggle close to you during these conversations or keep a favorite stuffed toy with them. The stuffed toys can give you the opportunity to talk about what it means to be living, and the difference between toys such as their stuffed animals and real animals that live and die. If you take your lead from the children's comments and questions, they'll let you know what they are concerned about. Some children may not want to join the conversation, and it's okay.

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