Involving your growing child with pet care has a learning curve for everyone. There are lots of ways to integrate your child into the daily routine your family pet depends on, and we offer the following tips for involving kids with pet care:
The Beginner
Growing up with pets can be meaningful, fun, and exciting. Kids love information and relentlessly ask questions when learning something new. We encourage you to be open and honest about the needs of your pet, even if he or she has certain medical issues that might be hard to talk about.
Your child’s age will dictate most of what he or she is able to do and you will need to supervise most tasks. Whether you own a puppy or kitten, or an older dog or cat, your child will enjoy feeding, watering, walking, or playing with your family pet. These excellent beginner assignments may easily and quickly graduate to:
- Bathing and grooming (brushing fur, helping to trim nails)
- Training and teaching new tricks
- Feeding and watering your pet
- Keeping a food inventory
- Shopping for pet food
- Picking out treats
- Checking on bedding and washing it, if necessary
- Helping to secure fencing
- Cleaning up after pet (in the yard or litterbox)
- Keeping leash and gear clean and in the correct spot
Involving Kids With Pet Care
The benefits of this balance is two-fold: your child will happily pick up positive traits related to caring for your pet (compassion, responsibility, love), and your pet will begin to trust your child. Although your pet’s survival won’t be completely contingent upon your child’s daily involvement, the foundation will be established for life-long loyalty.
Bridging The Gap
Knowing your pet’s temperament is crucial to attaining a peaceful household that includes kids. Enforce an area that is either kid-free or pet-free so if space is needed by one party, it’s not hard to separate. Help your child understand that if your pet retreats to a quiet place, he or she should be left alone until ready to rejoin the noise and action.
We briefly mentioned supervision earlier and it’s just something that cannot be understated. Your pet should not be allowed to play alone with your child. Small children can behave unpredictably and your pet’s behavior could change instantly. Staying present and vigilant will ensure the interaction between your pet and your child remains calm, balanced, and enjoyable.
Fostering The Love Between Pets and Children
The film industry and children’s literature are full of animal protagonists, and the most winning stories show the mutually beneficial relationship between a kid and his or her pet. From My Dog Skip to Beethoven, Old Yeller and Lassie, the love and friendship between kids and pets is like nothing else.
Involving your child with the numerous pet responsibilities as he or she grows will not only provide opportunities for growth, but will foster a meaningful and satisfying lifelong friendship.