Advise me please

Option 2. Kids deal with this pretty well. Then go get a new one with him. Tell him that he can still love the dead one, but he can also love a new one.

My kids would call BS on me if I didn't go with option 2.

2.

It's sad that you even have to ask..

2

Or 4 as previously mentioned is excellent!

Option 3. He's 3 year's old people save the life lesson's for the next fish.

Option 2.

I have 2 girls ages 7 & 4. We've unfortunately have had some animal deaths in our family recently between a horse colicking, our dog having cancer and a fish. They've definitely dealt much better with the deaths when they were able to say their goodbyes, they weren't able to with the horse but were fully prepared the night we put our dog down.

# 2, it's never too early to learn a valuable life lesson

Oh my; I used to have a meltdown when anything died, including the baby birds that fell out of their nest that I put in a box in the garage and the lightning bugs I caught and put into a jar. Although I'd be tempted to go with #3 (he has plenty of time to get used to the harsh realities of living and dying), I think the right answer would be #2.

WOW obviously the option four people don't have kids!! (RUDE)
Anyway, DEF option 2. This happened to my son's fish. And we did it together. He literally forgot about it within a few hours. We never got a new one, though. But if you want to take him and get a replacement, certainly do so. The more upfront and honest you are with him in the early ages, the more of a mature adult he will become.

Good luck!

My mother did option #3 when my dad died.

So... my 3 year old son's fish died today after only a month... not sure why, but its definately dead. I'm taking a poll... which do you think I should do:

Option 1) Flush the fish now and not bring attention to the missing fish and bowl when he gets home
Option 2) Wait until he gets home and tell him and have him help lay it to rest
Option 3) Buy another similiar looking fish and replace it before he gets home

Note: I understand that Option 2 is the most mature way to approach it... but there may be meltdown consequenses.

Vote please!:flowerforyou:

My wife's dad died suddenly when our first daughter was 2. We had to deal with that. My opinion of how resilient kids are, that talking about death and dying frankly with children is an opportunity for learning, etc. is less important than your own internal barometer of what to do.

If you already know what the most mature way of dealing with a situation is, why let the threat of a melt-down steer you from taking that action?

I can (sometimes) understand the fear of a melt-down when in public - restaurant, car, etc. - postponing until home. But you are home. Deal with the situation in the way you already know is right. Don't let your child's reaction (or your fear of his reaction) be an excuse.

Option 2.

When I was a kid my goldfish died, and I thought it was "sleeping", and I told everyone who would listen. My parents left it in the bowl for like 3 days becuase they didn't have the heart to tell me it was dead (LOL!!). I got suspicious when it got skeletal. :P

My ex wasn't ready to deal with the fact that his sons hedgehog died. So he put him in a plastic container, taped it all up, marked it "Dad's please do not touch" and put it in the freezer.

I, being the respectful girlfriend, did not touch and moved that carton through two house moves. Finally after it being in the freezer for 3 years, I got nosy (shame on me) and opened it up.

I promptly screamed....which brought the kids running....

and then we had to deal with the whole

OMG THAT'S where Pixel went!!!! You said he ran away Dad!!!

and the crying...holy hell the crying....

so I would say option two.

^ This is why option 2 is best. Kids eventually figure out that you lied. Besides, living things die. It's a good life lesson and starting with a fish is a good approach. Have you seen the "Harold and the Purple Crayon" episode on "Goldie?" It worked for us.

VERY true...and now both those boys are very paranoid when it comes to pets and their father.

everytime he had to take a dog to the vet for a check up, they would get extremely suspicious and worried....

sure that the pet wasn't going to come back or would get "lost" again...

so he's made his bed in that regard....

trust...with kids it's a big deal.....they trust you to show them the way....they really do...and they never forget when you fail them.

Option 2, kids understand more than we give them credit for. We lost our pitpull last year and my (then) 4yr old sat with him through out the day until he passed....it is going to involve a lot of answering questions...and then more questions....but it's part of being a parent. My son took it very well, he was sad but understood puppy wasn't hurt anymore and was in puppy heaven and such. I think you should ask him if he wants another fish b/f just buying another one...

Flush it and tell him he was Nemo and must of climbed out the window with the help of Jacque etc and that we'll have to get another one tomorrow

Option 2. Being honest is a quality I think we all want in our kids... they learn what we teach.

He's 3, he'll either not care, or he'll cry for a bit and then forget. Ask him if he wants another fish.

Also, it helps him learn about death in an easier situation than with a family member. It's a part of life, it sucks, but it's better for them to have some understanding and be able to talk to you about it. Just don't lead his responses or questions. Offer your condolences and let him guide you on how much to tell him.