Written by Children and pets often forge strong connections, especially with dogs, which research has supported. Such findings can encourage a child to persuade their parents to adopt a pet, but forming this bond isn’t always immediate. Grown-ups can play a vital role in nurturing a meaningful bond between the pet and the child whilst also maximizing the additional perks of owning a pet.
Why Pets Can Be Beneficial for Kids
According to a survey by C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, approximately two-thirds of all households have pets. Dogs make up 76%, cats 41%, followed by 24% for fish, birds, and reptiles, and small mammals like guinea pigs and rabbits, at 9%. In the survey, 63% of parents admitted to getting a pet to provide their child with companionship and fun while 57% thought it would instill a sense of responsibility in the child.2 Some other advantages of pets for kids involve:
• Developing Responsibility
• Enhancing emotional, mental, and physical wellness
• Deepening relationship satisfaction
• Companionship
• Encouraging Respect
• Promoting Loyalty
• Teaching Love, empathy, and compassion
Guidelines for Introducing a Pet to a Child
Introducing a new pet to a child requires constant adult supervision. No child should be left alone with a pet until their safety can be guaranteed. It is especially important for very young children. Pets can potentially injure a child, even accidentally. Conversely, a child, when unmonitored, can accidentally harm a pet due to fear or rough play.
Have your child calmly seated and allow the furry friend to approach them or have the child hold the pet with guidance. Encourage your child to offer the pet a snack either by tossing it to the floor or gently from their hand. Watch how both the child and pet react. If needed, address aggressive or rough behavior immediately.
Educating Children on Responsible pet-keeping
Rewarding a child for taking good care of their pet is a great way to encourage responsible behavior. Positive reinforcement, small rewards, and for older children, monetary incentives can guide your child to care for their pet properly. Create a visible chart with daily or weekly pet-related tasks that your child can tick off once a task is done. This helps to motivate and reminds them of their duties. As an adult, ensure that all tasks are completed, if not, step in to ensure that your pet does not suffer.
Involve your child in the pet’s training process can be highly beneficial to both. The thrill of trying something new, building confidence when successful, and the delight of building a long-term bond with a pet are all reasons to encourage your child to learn positive reinforcement techniques and engage with the pet. While dogs are typically easy to train, other animals like cats, fish, or rabbits are also trainable. Consider seeking professional guidance for training your specific pet and involve your child in the process to strengthen their bond.
Strategies for Building a Healthy Relationship Between Children and Pets
Protection and enjoyment from having a pet can lead to a strong bond for a child. To ensure a similar response from your pet, it’s important to enforce some safety measures and boundaries.
Creating a Safe Space for Your Pet
Ensure your pet has a safe space where they can retreat from children and instruct your child to respect these spaces. This could be a dog crate, a cat tree, a rabbit house, or other forms of refuge, depending on your home and pet type.
Establish Guidelines for Interactions
Lay down rules for your child concerning their interaction with your pet. Help them interpret the pet’s warning signals and body language. A growl or hiss may not be immediately understood by a child, hence explaining these cues is critical.
Educate Your Child on Pet Communication
Before bringing home a pet, discuss the animal’s body language, communication signals, regular noises, and routine behavior with your child. A veterinarian who specializes in that kind of animal can provide valuable insight into typical behavior. Ensure everyone in the family understands these rules before bringing a pet home. This approach ensures everyone’s success and fosters a long-lasting bond.
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