how do you explain death to a 3 year old

[foxy00]

We had to put down my mothers dog as it was so old, he was suffering badly and it was a merciful thing to do. Anita keeps looking for the dog, and I just cannot seem to get thur that the dog has gone to heaven. Any suggestions?

[Shadow-off]

I was taught in developmental psychology that before age five children forget nearly everything in life that happened during that age and that at age 5 there is a high chance that most children will have a photographic memory. If you have the child practice that memory skill they could maintain it through out there adult life too.

[jimsan]

Get her another dog and she'll soon forget about the old one.............:)

[jimsan]

My ex did this with me, got another man and she soon forgot me....................:confused:

[Hoopy]

Just say to her Anita, mummy killed your dog, she'll soon forgive you.

[kompukovboichik]

kids at that age don't understand permanency. they live in the here and now.

get another dog, and she will soon forget the other as long as you dont keep bringing it up.

[paddedcell]

as long as you dont keep bringing it up.

Wow...you mean she ate it?

Definite marks for originality there.