What To Do When A Child Asks For A Pet
Anyone with small children knows that sooner or later they will beg for a pet. In an ideal scenario, we would say without thinking that the best thing that can happen to a child is to grow up with a four-legged, winged, or scaled friend.
However, there are many factors you should consider before incorporating a non-human member into the family, considering that you know you are taking responsibility to a living being who deserves to be respected and cared for.
Responsibly choose a pet for your child
Once you are willing to take on this responsibility and the other adults in the family are in agreement, the best decision is to find a way to make the pet accompany your child’s childhood.
Most likely, when asking for a pet, the child wants a dog or cat. And she won’t be too wrong, since she’ll find great companions in them, and not just at playtime. However, do not rule out other options, such as:
- Canaries
- Guinea pig
- rabbits
- Fish
What to consider when a child asks for a pet
The first thing you should ask yourself is what kind of animal can be part of the family, as it will be your responsibility, not your child’s, to care for it. When thinking about having a pet, don’t ignore issues such as the availability of time and money to take care of it as best you can, or the space available at home. Also, you should try to balance all of this with the little one’s desires.
So keep in mind that to a greater or lesser extent — and according to the species, size and other characteristics of the animal — the list of responsibilities includes, among other things:
- Veterinary follow-up
- Vaccines
- Adequate food
- Bath and grooming
- tours
- Accessories
Benefits of growing up with a pet
If you have already made your choice and left everything ready for the pet to become part of the family, rejoice. In addition to making your child very happy, the daily contact with the new friend will bring great benefits to the little one. Between them:
- He will learn to be more responsible. According to your child’s age, and always under your supervision, you should teach him to take charge of some care related to the pet.
- You will have a stronger immune system and suffer less from allergies.
- You will be more active, exercise more and forget, even for a short time, the virtual world that computers and other devices offer.
- You will be a more sensitive and supportive person, relating better with the environment.
Adopt an animal for your child
If the decision has been made, speak clearly with the child, so that he understands that the animal is not a toy, but a living being that deserves respect and care. Explain to her that her new friend won’t always feel like playing and that she shouldn’t be bothering her when she’s eating or resting.
If you choose a dog or cat, consider going to a shelter to adopt an animal that has been abandoned. This will be another great lesson you can teach your child. Pets are not disposable. The commitment is eternal.
Things may not look so easy at first, especially if you’ve chosen a dog. But don’t be discouraged. Over time, you will see how your pet will change for the better not only your child’s life, but the whole family as well.
