Taking Care of Furry Friends
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Whether it’s a great big dog or a tiny fish, a pet is an important part of a child’s life and development. Pets help children learn valuable social skills and how to be a good friend. Learning to pay attention to what a pet needs and how it communicates can build a positive and trusting relationship that serves as a good model for other relationships. As a child takes care of a pet, he can learn to develop empathy, build self-esteem, and gain a sense of responsibility. Most of all, a pet gives a child something everybody needs—a friend!
Can We Keep It?
If your child asks for a pet, and you’re ready to take on the challenge, there are a couple things to take into consideration. First, research which type of pet is appropriate for your child and your family. Next, consider your child’s age and whether or not she is ready to help take care of another living thing. If your child likes animals and can be careful and gentle, she might be ready for a pet. Although you will ultimately need to be responsible for the pet’s health and well-being, talk with your child about her responsibilities. Explain that the pet will need food, water, exercise, and love. Depending on the type of animal, decide on at least one thing your child can do to help care for the pet, such as pouring pre-measured food into pet’s bowl, helping to prepare its cage, or gently brushing its fur.
Talk Together: What are some things this little girl does to be responsible for her pet? How would you help take care of a pet?
Pet Respect Explain to your child that part of being responsible for a pet means paying attention to how it is feeling and what it needs. If your child is overly excited around his pet, encourage him to hug or pet the animal gently, walk slowly, and speak softly. Make sure your child understands not to approach strange pets without permission, and to leave a pet alone whenever it is eating, sleeping, or chewing on something. When you are with the pet, ask your child what he thinks it is saying. Why does he think so? Is it wagging its tail, or hissing? What might it need?
Watch Together:
Catch the Kitty Talk Together:
Why do you think the little girl put the kitty down? Why do you think the kitty was happy when she picked it up again later? Learning to Care Having a positive relationship with a pet is good practice for forming strong bonds later in life. If your pet needs to go to the veterinarian for a checkup or an illness, encourage your child to comfort the animal in the vet’s office. You might also ask her about a time when she went to the doctor so she can share with the pet how it made her feel. Also, children with pets may cope better when they are feeling sad, lonely, or afraid because the pet gives them a friend to confide in. This can help your child develop important nurturing skills and empathy. But children don’t just talk to pets when they’re feeling down—they can share happy thoughts too! The more your child feels like a valuable part of the pet’s life, the more self-confidence she can develop.
Watch Together:
Kids Talk About Pets Talk Together:
Why do these children love their pets? If you have a pet, why do you love yours? Fun Animal Facts Having a pet also provides a great opportunity to learn more about different kinds of animals. A fish might only need a few flakes of fish food each day, but a big dog needs to eat much more. A cat’s tail helps it balance and land on its feet if it falls from a great height. When a hermit crab gets too big for its shell, it moves to another one. A dog is colorblind, but it can smell and hear much better than a human can. How much do you know about your pet? Find a website or a book at your local library about your type of pet so you can learn about it together. What is special about your pet?
Watch Together:
Animal Babies Talk Together:
How are these animal babies like human babies?
“…We started noticing how our daughters were very interested in our friends' pets. Our neighbors' dogs, the babysitter's bunny, the fish at the Chinese restaurant all captured their fancy in a way that was clearly different from their interactions with toys. We started slowly with one lone fish we named Bluebell. Daisy and Phoebe got a taste of what it was like to be responsible for a pet. They learned how much and when to feed him, helped clean his bowl from time to time, and enjoyed sharing their blue bowl buddy with friends.”
—Karen Kane
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