For some children, having a pet is the most memorable part of the growing up years. Nothing can beat the cute and cuddly moments, the rollicking play, the tender loving care, or the quiet moments simply sitting and observing and spending your time with a pet. A pet could easily be a child’s first best friend. A pet is there in the morning upon waking. He will listen attentively, play, share all of his time, and will still be there at bedtime to say goodnight to. The next day he is there again, ready for more play. A pet is home all of the time. Children and pets are a perfect match.
With all the benefits of having a pet there is an equal number of duties and responsibilities. These animals have to be cared for. They have to be fed, cleaned, combed, bathed, walked, and generally looked after. This has to be done regularly on a day-to-day basis. Their cages need to be washed and checked once in a while for repairs. It is extra work for a household. For parents, health and safety measures are important things to be thought of. Animal training, vaccinations, anti-rabies shots, control of flea and tick infestations, litter box duties, and overall cleanliness are a must. To the parents falls the full weight of these pet responsibilities.
When deciding to get a pet, the benefits and responsibilities must be weighed. Are the benefits worth the extra work? Can the responsibilities be fulfilled? If yes is the answer to these questions then it is time to bring home the newest addition to the family. For a long happy coexistence of a household with children and pets, here are some helpful tips and suggestions. Eight to nine years old is the right age to have a pet. Children of this age are about ready to be given light work for pet care responsibilities. Of course this should be always done with the guidance of the parents. Then, a child should not be forced to spend time with a pet if he is not partial to animals. We must remember that not all kids like animals. To each his own, as the saying goes. If you have a younger child who is willing to help, he can do with simple enough but still important tasks like regularly changing the water bowl.
All these tasks for pet care will be good practice for a child. It contributes to his emotional development. It will prepare him for more adult responsibilities in forming lasting relationships. It will make the child grow up to be a caring, responsible adult; responsive to the needs of others, ready and willing to help, and possessing a strong sense of empathy for his fellow man.
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