Like moving from liquid to solid foods, losing your baby teeth, to finding out Santa Claus ceases to exist (we’re still iffy about that one), getting a pet is often seen as a rite of passage. Whether or not your child is ready for pet ownership is determined by, among other factors, the level of developmental growth of your child.
They teach valuable lessons
Companionship and unconditional love aren’t the only plus points of owning a pet. According to pet expert and co-author of What About Wally?: Co-Parenting a Pet With Your Ex, Steven May, pet ownership can act as a tool to teach a child “responsibility, communication, kindness and commitment.” The care process can act as an introduction to chores. Decide on a feeding and bath schedule together. Take them along to vet appointments to pique their interest in their pet’s well-being.
They could be good for your health
A recent study found evidence that children who grow up with pets may be less likely to develop common allergies thanks to early exposure to certain bacteria.
Pets also have an impact of children’s emotional well-being. According to a newsletter feature by News in Health (NIH), Dr. James Griffin, a scientist at NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development said that,”When children are asked who they talk to when they get upset, a lot of times their first answer is their pet.”
They make instant playmates
Pets make excellent playmates for an over-energetic toddler. A great way for pets and toddlers to communicate is through play. But as a toddler, it’s hard to understand why the pet does not want to be poked or carried around constantly.
Here are some pointers on teaching your child to respect the pet:
- Teach them to approach the animals from the side and not from the back. The child may interpret this as a sign of play but the animal could take it as a signal to attack.
- It’s best to let sleeping dogs lie. Animals can be very protective of their resting and feeding spots. When they are chowing down or taking a snooze, it’s best that they are left alone.
- Listen and watch for important body language. A cat’s tail is very telling of their moods, while a dog’s growl could show that it’s not in a very good mood. Teach the child to look out for these signs.
- No matter how close your toddler and pet have become never leave them unsupervised.
Are you ready to commit?
When deciding which animal is right for your toddler, it’s important to factor in the responsibility you are willing to commit. Initially, you’ll be the one teaching your little one how to care for their furry friend. Evaluate your living space, time commitment and the process of caring for the animal. Consider a goldfish or a terrapin if you don’t think your household could manage a dog, for example. With these steps, you can create a positive experience when deciding if/when to include a new member of the family.
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Image Credit: www.bellybelly.com.au.
