Mary Allen
At some point, desire will surely come. Then the kids will want their own pet – absolutely and ideally right away. Parents know this, but when is the right time for it? Which animals are suitable for which children? “Animals are not toys, they are living beings” is the most important phrase that parents should remember. No animal wants to hug and play all the time. Parents are responsible for the animal and for the children to treat it appropriately.
Do Children Need Pets?
A pet can have a positive effect on a child’s development. In this way, children learn to take responsibility at an early age, strengthen their social skills, and often become more active. After all, fresh air and exercise are a must for many animals. Fine motor skills in young children develop better when dealing with animals. Many studies have also shown that children around animals reduce stress and relax – this is one of the reasons why there are many medical therapies based on animal companionship.
When is the Best Time to Have a Pet?
It is not the children who decide, but the parents. Because before buying an animal, the family must carefully check whether it fits the task. Are the framework conditions appropriate – is there enough space and, above all, time for the animal in daily family life? Is the monthly income sufficient to cover the costs of vet visits, insurance, and meals? Is the whole family ready to be responsible for the animal for years to come? In the case of a dog, this can quickly be 15 years or more – this also means: in any weather, you can go out early in the morning. Looking ahead, parents should also clarify when and how they want to go on vacation: Will there be only vacations with an animal in the future? Are there any relatives or friends who can look after you? Are there any animal resorts nearby?
When Can Children Care for Animals?
There is no single answer to this question – it depends on the child and the animal. In general, the interaction between young children and animals is not a problem. However: parents should not leave their children alone with the animal until the age of six – fine and gross motor skills are not yet sufficiently developed. You could, unwillingly, injure the animal while playing. In addition, small children do not assess the danger well and do not notice when the animal needs rest. But even younger children can participate in caring for the animals and take on tasks such as filling drinkers, bowls of food, or stroking them. In this way, responsibility can be transferred step by step.
Which Animal is Right for My Child?
Whether it’s a dog, cat, bird, rodent, or fish: Before buying, parents should find out what kind of care individual animals need and what kind of work the family has to do. It is also helpful to check in advance if you are allergic to animal dander. In the case of birds and rodents, remember that they are never kept alone. Hamsters are not suitable for children: they sleep during the day and make noise at night. It doesn’t fit the rhythm of young children. On the other hand, guinea pigs and rabbits are suitable for very young children and also require significantly less time and space than dogs and cats. However, parents should be careful: the animals are flying and often very gentle – children are not allowed to show their love too violently. Cats, on the other hand, are happy to be petted, but babies have to come to terms with it. that animals are stubborn and always decide for themselves when to allow intimacy. An aquarium or terrarium is not suitable for young children: there is little they can do to maintain them. Dogs, on the other hand, are not called man’s best friends for anything. A four-legged friend can quickly become the closest friend of children. But here, too, you should make sure in advance that the conditions for the dog in everyday life are correct.
How Can I Prepare My Child?
If you are unsure if your child is ready to have a pet of their own, you should wait. It might be worth visiting a farm or stable to see how your child treats animals. Regularly visiting friends who have dogs, cats, rabbits, or birds can also be a great way to start understanding what it means to have a pet. Animal shelters also welcome volunteers to help.