Your children are comfortable around animals. Don’t get a pet to cure your children’s fear of animals. A fearful child could easily make mistakes that result in injury and deep-seated fear of animals. Instead of bringing a pet into such environment, take your child to a friend’s home or an animal shelter to get familiar with animals. Don’t force the child to pet or touch the animal while you’re there; give him room to observe the animals and let your example be the guide on how to interact with pets. Consider getting a pet only after your child feels comfortable around animals.
Your Child Shows Respect for Animals. Kids must respect the guidelines for appropriate behavior around animals. For example, they must understand pets should not be tugged or hit. They must be touched gently and left alone while eating. Just because a child wants to interact with a pet doesn't mean it's an appropriate time to do so, and kids need to have the self-control to leave the animal alone.
Your Children Want a Pet That Is the Best Fit for the Whole Family. Children need to understand not every pet will be right for your family. Pelar says every animal needs enrichment, but some need more than others, so consider which pets fit the time and space you have available. Birds require the most time investment, followed by dogs, then cats.
You're Prepared to Take on the Responsibility. Lastly, if your family is going to get a pet, the adults in the house need to assume responsibility for the animal. Pelar says the appropriate way to think about it is that you are getting a family pet in whose care the children can participate, rather than expecting your children will be the main caretakers. Even if your child shows every sign of readiness, if you're not ready, then it's not the right time.
There are many benefits to having pets. They provide companionship, lessons in responsibility, emotional well-being and countless other perks. However, pet ownership is only a good thing when your family is ready for it. If you're considering bringing an animal into your family, let our experts' advice guide your decision, so your introduction to pet ownership will be the best it can be.For your pets:custom pet tags, custom pet bowls.
