One of our fish has gone to a watery grave, complete with a small prayer and flush. Explaining the death of Bob (as Anthony has said it's Betsy that's still alive) to a three-year old was tough. I didn't want to use the word "sick", but didn't know how else to describe it. Please tell me if I handled this correctly:
I told Anthony that Bob had gotten sick, and that fish don't go to the doctor because there is no doctor that takes care of fish. I talked about how when Anthony, Mommy, Daddy, or any other family is sick, we can go to the doctor and they can help us feel better. I said again about fish not having doctors (this is a 28 cent fish, for goodness sake!), and how Bob was happier in Heaven.
Anthony took what I said at face value, and then walked to the bowl to comfort Betsy. He told her that he knew she was sad, but that Bob was in Heaven. Then he asked me what was for dinner.
Was that the right way to handle this? How would you have handled it?
12 years ago
