A family with two or more children goes through turbulent times until the little ones grow up. When dogs, cats, or rabbits are also part of the family, managing family life can become quite challenging.
Children demand attention and basically need to be looked after around the clock. And what about pets? Dogs are loyal companions and protectors. Cats can be cuddly, but also headstrong. Both have many fans. Rabbits, birds, and other pets are entertaining and cute. But like any larger pet, they need us to provide for them
When children and pets come together, it can be twice as much fun, because they can enrich each other's lives in very special ways. However, there are some basic things you should consider beforehand.
First of all, ask yourself: Who was there first, and what kind of pet are we talking about? A dog that has been with you for many years may be confused when a human baby suddenly moves in. The same can be true for cats. Animals need time to get used to a new family situation.
You can only fulfill the wish of a small child who desperately wants a pet if you, as parents, are willing and able to take full responsibility for the animal. So ask yourselves whether you want to take on the responsibility of a pet in addition to the challenges that family life brings. Also ask yourselves the following questions: Is our child old enough to interact with a pet? Do we have the financial means? What kind of pet should we get?
Think carefully about how much time you can all invest. How old is your child? The older the child, the more tasks they can take on in caring for the pet and interacting with it independently. As parents, you should always know what you can reasonably expect your child and pet to do together. An eight-year-old can feed your rabbit according to instructions, for example, but should not be responsible for caring for the rabbit and cleaning its hutch on their own.
Before getting a pet, you should also ask yourself which pet would suit your family. If you would like to keep reptiles or exotic animals, think carefully about the rules that need to be established for contact between the animal and your child. Safety is paramount here, with the safety of the child coming first. But the animal also needs to feel safe, as overly lively or clumsy children can cause animals a great deal of stress.
Some children find watching colorful fish in an aquarium very calming. They enjoy immersing themselves in the underwater world. Others prefer to teach a bird or rabbit "tricks." Is your child ready for something like this?
Cats let their owners know when they have had enough and withdraw. Your child can learn to recognize and respect natural boundaries. A dog requires a lot of care, but can also be a wonderful "listener."
Basically, children can learn a lot from living with a pet: responsibility, discipline, and consideration are just some of the things they learn. And they experience closeness, security, and trust. Numerous studies show that children's development is positively influenced when they grow up with pets.
So be open to a child-pet friendship, but always be aware of your role as family manager. The responsibility will always lie with you.
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