As anyone who has owned a pet knows, bringing a pet into the household brings a whole new world of responsibilities with it. Many families choose to bring a new pet, usually a dog, into the household soon after a baby is born, so that the pet and the baby can grow and bond together.
Children who have the opportunity to grow up in a household with pets will learn valuable life lessons, from both their parents in how to care and feed the animal to the animal itself, teaching the child patience and empathy. Before a pet is brought into the home a thorough discussion should take place regarding who will take care of the animal on a day-to-day basis and what the energy level of the family is so the proper animal is chosen, among other things. It is good to have the children involved in the discussion so they may understand that bringing a pet into the home is no small matter.
Children will often times have a clear idea of their ideal pet; it is up to the parent to determine how feasible the idea is. Some children love snakes, but other family members may not appreciate that particular pet; others may prefer a hamster or even a goldfish. No matter which type of pet is brought into the home use it as a learning opportunity; teach a child why cats like to knead blankets or why dogs turn in circles before they lie down. Using animals as a teaching tool will help them to understand the animal itself and how to treat it in a kindly fashion. Plus it gives a parent a reason to look up crazy questions such as, why do cats eat grass?
A child who learns to live with pets will develop an understanding of and connection to nature. Children who live with pets are taught by necessity about living, dying, sickness, and sometimes loss. A pet can teach a child responsibility if the child is assisting in the care and maintenance of the pet such as brushing them or taking them for walks. Children who grow up with pets also seem to develop a better sense of self-confidence; a pet can become a child’s best friend who listens to their fears and secrets without judgment.
An outdoor type of pet can be of benefit to the whole family. At the very least a dog should be walked at least once a day which is the perfect excuse to get out of the house and exercise. Dogs love to go camping, and believe it or not people bring cats camping as well. People used to gasp and/or laugh in disbelief when they would realize that I was walking a cat on the leash at the beach! And in case you're wondering, yes, I used to take my cat camping and on road trips when we were both young. Dogs are also great for hiking and there are many hotels that will allow pets who like to travel with their families.
Pets can be a wonderful addition to any family; they teach children many valuable life lessons and can be a loving companion for life. They provide their companions with an exercise buddy and are always happy to see their caregivers at the end of a hard day. And who doesn't love that?
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