by Shannon Dauphin
At some point in their lives, most children are going to ask for a pet. And who could blame them? One of the great joys of childhood is romping in the yard with a happy puppy or cuddling up with a sweet little kitten. But is your child ready for the responsibility?
When is a Child Ready for a Pet?
Knowing when a child is ready for a pet might be one of the toughest calls a parent will ever have to make. The age of six is what many experts agree is the optimum time, but it really depends on your child's personal development. Does your child obey when you tell them "no?" Do they have enough self-control to stay mindful of the pet's needs and wants? Do they understand that owning a pet is a lifelong commitment and not a passing fancy? If you aren't quite sure if your child is ready, arrange to spend some time with a friend's pet, and watch how your child treats the animal.
Living in Harmony
Once you decide to take the plunge, how do you make certain your pet feels secure and your child stays safe? Seeing to the well-being of everyone involved is one of the most important requirements of pet ownership.
To make sure your child and your pet are always safe, it's important to supervise their play. Teach your new pet not to bite and scratch, but also remind your child that play can quickly turn to something more serious if they are not careful. Ask your child how they might feel if someone pulled at their ears or poked at their eyes. Explain that pets can be territorial, and they can lash out if they are scared, cornered, or injured. Teach your child early on to know when it is okay to approach their pet and when it is best to stay away.
An Opportunity to Teach
One of the biggest advantages of having a pet is teaching kids to be responsible. Taking care of their pet is a serious commitment! Give your child chores that are appropriate for their age. Even small children can help keep their pet's water bowl full, and as they grow older, they can shoulder more responsibilities.
When you choose the right pet for your family, your child will have a dedicated friend for life--and you will have the joy of watching that beautiful relationship grow.
At some point in their lives, most children are going to ask for a pet. And who could blame them? One of the great joys of childhood is romping in the yard with a happy puppy or cuddling up with a sweet little kitten. But is your child ready for the responsibility?
When is a Child Ready for a Pet?
Knowing when a child is ready for a pet might be one of the toughest calls a parent will ever have to make. The age of six is what many experts agree is the optimum time, but it really depends on your child's personal development. Does your child obey when you tell them "no?" Do they have enough self-control to stay mindful of the pet's needs and wants? Do they understand that owning a pet is a lifelong commitment and not a passing fancy? If you aren't quite sure if your child is ready, arrange to spend some time with a friend's pet, and watch how your child treats the animal.
Living in Harmony
Once you decide to take the plunge, how do you make certain your pet feels secure and your child stays safe? Seeing to the well-being of everyone involved is one of the most important requirements of pet ownership.
To make sure your child and your pet are always safe, it's important to supervise their play. Teach your new pet not to bite and scratch, but also remind your child that play can quickly turn to something more serious if they are not careful. Ask your child how they might feel if someone pulled at their ears or poked at their eyes. Explain that pets can be territorial, and they can lash out if they are scared, cornered, or injured. Teach your child early on to know when it is okay to approach their pet and when it is best to stay away.
An Opportunity to Teach
One of the biggest advantages of having a pet is teaching kids to be responsible. Taking care of their pet is a serious commitment! Give your child chores that are appropriate for their age. Even small children can help keep their pet's water bowl full, and as they grow older, they can shoulder more responsibilities.
When you choose the right pet for your family, your child will have a dedicated friend for life--and you will have the joy of watching that beautiful relationship grow.
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