The title could be the whole article as far as I think about it, but let’s take this apart a little bit. Pets and kids go together. Kid+ball+dog=playtime.
Sleepy kid+cat=naptime for both.
The combinations are limitless. But getting a pet isn’t an automatic decision. Parental involvement, dialogue and having a good plan are all part of the decision.
Kids who learn to take care of, and love a pet get benefits that positively impact them for a lifetime. Kids who have pets also form perhaps their first strong bond with another being in their life. I can still remember my first dog and cat, and I still think of them today.
So what pet to get?
Well, you won’t know if you don’t ask. So open up a dialogue with your child about it the first time they ask. Let them tell you what they want, what they think will be a good match and why. Listening to them up front will help guide them when the little pet arrives.
Will you care for it, or will they? (Hint: them, with your help)
Taking care of a pet can help children develop social skills. But don’t go crazy, there are some good tips to make sure you’re not over-doing it.
Really young kids are not ready to take care of a pet by themselves. You can assign some tasks, but kids need help. Also, consider that they do not have the maturity or experience to be unmonitored around pets. (I have the scars from my cat when I was little to prove it.. and my daughter bit our dog when she was really young, but being the great dog he was, he didn’t bite back.)
As a parent, responsibility for taking care of a pet is on you, even if you think the child is old enough to care of a pet. You can remind them gently that animals, like people, need food, water, and exercise and most of all love.
So what does a pet do for you and your kids?
Answer: Unconditional love!
Pets bring with them lots of intangible benefits for the people who love them! Self-esteem, self-confidence, loving relationships, empathy… all part of the pet package!. And pets are the ultimate keepers of secrets! Kids tell their pets all their difficulties, and pets never judge them, they just listen. Pets become part of the family and touch each member in its own special way.
Pets also give your kids (and you) lessons in real life. Kids can learn where puppies come from! They’ll also learn harder lessons about illness, accidents, death, and loss. Yep, it’s all part of the package.
If your little ones are begging you for a pet, give it some serious consideration. Pets are a wonderful addition to a family and create more love and happiness than you might think possible.