The loss of a pet can be a traumatic experience for a young child. My 4-year-old son recently won a tropical fish at a local fair. Goldie made his home in a fish tank on top my son’s clothes dresser and spent his days exploring his new home. My son enjoyed watching Goldie swim around his tank and each night before bed he would wish Goldie “sweet dreams.” One late afternoon, a few days after Goldie became a member of our family, I went into my son’s room and discovered that Goldie had died. Even though the fish was only in our home for a few days, it was still difficult to explain to my son that his beloved fish was dead and would no longer be swimming in his fish tank. Parents and caregivers can use the following print and online resources to help comfort a child who has experienced the loss of a cherished pet.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services offers an Immunization Action Program that is geared to uninsured children and those children whose health insurance does not cover immunizations. For information call (631) 853-8496. You can view the monthly schedule on the department’s web site.

We as parents know that our kids should be eating well-balanced diet so they can grow strong and healthy. But what exactly is a healthy diet for a preschooler? A 9 year-old? What if you have a picky eater?

Parents can visit MyPyramid.gov for Preschoolers and print out a customized MyPyramid plan that will show them what and how much their child needs to eat meet their child’s particular needs. The site also offers ideas to help plan meals, advice to help the picky eater, and fun, activity ideas for 2 through 5 year olds. For Parents with children 6 through 11 years of age, visit MyPyramid.gov for Kids for nutrition information and planning guides for older children.