Almost all children are asked to have a pet. Often, such requests appear even if the pet is already in the house. Can pets and a child get along under one roof? Which pet is better to choose as a gift to your beloved son / daughter?
How to prepare a pet for replenishment in the family?
Many young couples first start a dog, cat or fish, and only after are puzzled by the appearance of their own offspring. Upon learning that a baby will appear soon, future parents are often confused, and some even decide to give the pet in good hands, fearing possible difficulties. In fact, this measure is extreme. But if some pet already lives in the house, it should be prepared for the appearance of a new family member. Future parents should understand that a small child and any animal (even the cutest and most harmless) pose a danger to each other.
First of all, evaluate the living conditions of the pet: if it is a bird, rodent, fish or other animal living in a confined space, its house should be removed from the room in which the crib will be. Place the cage / aquarium / terrarium at a level inaccessible to the child. Things are a bit more complicated with a dog, cat or other animal moving freely around the house. The most important thing in this case is to wean the pet from sleeping in the same bed with the owner, to climb the table. It is also important that the animal is not aggressive - try to personally pull the pet by the ears, tail and evaluate its reaction.
Important acquaintance
Animals and a child can become the best friends if the elders properly educate each of them. The baby should be taught to properly handle the animal. Tell us how you can behave with a pet, do not disregard the moment if the child is cruel. Avoid categorical prohibitions - do not be lazy to explain every time that these actions hurt the animal and can harm its health. Be sure to bring your child to care for the pet. Let him spill food or filler for the toilet, but over time he will be able to perform all the necessary manipulations no worse than yours. Caring for the animal develops a sense of responsibility and other positive qualities.
A child asks for an animal ...
The day when a daughter or son comes to parents with a request to purchase / take some kind of pet, comes in the life of any family. How to respond to such persuasion? Refuse immediately is not worth it. First of all, answer yourself - are you ready for the appearance of the animal in the house. If you do not like this idea, try to specifically argue it. It is no secret that many thoroughbred and exotic animals are quite expensive today. If this is the main reason for the planned refusal, explain to the child, offer to wait until a major holiday, accumulate personal pocket money (if any) or refuse to buy a new computer / expensive toy. The maintenance of many animals is fraught with certain difficulties (these are loud noises, damage to household property and furniture, excess garbage in the apartment). Most of the problems can be solved by the correct education of the pet. A trained dog will not tear the wallpaper, cats are easily accustomed to the toilet, and if rodent cages are regularly cleaned, there will not be an unpleasant smell. Discuss with your child in advance all the features of the content of the animal and make sure that he wants to care for himself.
How to reach a compromise?
Often children ask their parents for something completely impossible. But even in this situation, any request and desire should be discussed in detail. If you are ready to have a pet, but you are not comfortable with the specific choice of a child, offer a decent alternative. Try to explain that outbred cats are no less affectionate and beautiful than kittens born from champions. A large dog should not be started in a small city apartment, but a fish or a parrot is quite possible. Animals and the child should feel comfortable next to each other. Poisonous snakes and spiders, as well as furry owners of sharp claws and teeth, are not the best company for preschoolers or elementary school students.
The right choice for your pet
What animal to buy for the child? You should focus primarily on the wishes of your beloved child. If the desire to simply have “liveliness in the house” comes to the fore, you can go with the whole family to some exhibition or to a small contact zoo. A good place for an excursion is a large pet store. The general rules for selection are simple: animals and the child should not be dangerous to each other. Refuse to buy toxic exotics, aggressive breeds of dogs and cats. You should not buy a pet that requires complex care and special conditions. Remember, the grief of losing a pet will immediately overshadow the joy of acquiring it.
Animals for children 3-5 years old
Buying a pet for a child of 2 years does not make sense. But in 3-4 years before you is already a growing personality, quite capable of becoming a real host. In addition to cats and dogs, universal for all ages , good pets for children of 4 years old are: birds, large rodents, fish. Parents should understand that adults will have to look after the acquisition. In addition, senior family members should constantly monitor the child and, if possible, not leave him alone with the pet. Do not be afraid, over time, a daughter or son will be happy to help, and perhaps he will completely take care of the animal.
Pets for children 6 years and older
If your child is preparing to go to first grade, you can choose an animal based on the wishes and possibilities of the family. Before purchasing a pet, discuss with the future owner his responsibilities. At the age of 6 years, children can be entrusted with not only feeding, but also cleaning the cage / toilet, washing bowls and drinking bowls, even walking small dogs on the street. But even in this case it will be better if the child communicates with the pet under the supervision of one of the elders. A good animal for a child of 6 years old is a bird. You can also get fish or amphibians, any rodents.
How do animals affect children?
With proper preparation of the child, the appearance of a pet in the house is always a joy. Very often, dogs purchased for children become favorites of all the next of kin of the family and neighbors. No less joy can bring and turtles or hamsters. It is important to understand that, having received an animal as a gift, the child becomes the master, that is, someone older and most important. It is important to explain to your daughter or son that without constant care and attention, any living creature will quickly become ill, and may die.
It is useful to develop such behavior from early childhood. Even street cats for children should not be just toys or “wild animals,” but living things in the first place. If you regularly take your child to the zoo, feed stray animals and street birds together, it is not difficult to develop qualities such as kindness, mercy, and responsiveness. Own pet also teaches responsibility, awakens selfless love and the ability to empathize.
The pet is a member of the family, not a toy!
If you are afraid that recently acquired domestic turtles will quickly bother your child, do not be too lazy to regularly stimulate his interest in animals. Read about your pet together, watch documentaries. If possible, play with your pet, try to perform some tricks. The first line in the rating of pets forgotten by young owners after purchase is occupied by fish in the aquarium. But even they can be dealt with indefinitely. The fish can not be taken for a walk or fully included in the game. But then you can always change the interior in the aquarium, buy new residents and plants. Do not forget to give names to the fish, come up with interesting stories about them and find new facts about the breeds living in your place. In the same way, you can include any other pets in family life.
Cats, Dogs, or Animals Having Their Own Territory
Any living creature has its own character and personality. If we are talking about animals, do not forget about instincts. It is believed that small dogs are very aggressive, Persian cats are wayward, and rats are smart and quick-witted. Of course, there are exceptions to any rule, but if you buy an animal as a gift to a child, the choice should be made on a species / breed with a good reputation. Take into account physiological characteristics, for example, turtles sleep too much, and fish in the aquarium require very complicated care, observing a list of rules for each particular species. Regardless of which pet you choose, start by gathering information about this breed and species. And only after that go to get acquainted with a specific individual to the breeder.
Possible problems
Do not forget that our smaller brothers are able to tolerate diseases that are dangerous to humans. You can reduce the likelihood of a home epidemic by regularly visiting a veterinarian and observing simple hygiene rules. Wash your hands after each contact with the animal, carefully and timely clean its toilet, do not be too lazy to comb out the hair and so on.
Remember that cats for children are not only best friends, but also a living allergen. Unfortunately, many people learn about an allergy to wool only after they have a pet. Pregnant women should communicate with animals with caution. The disease "toxoplasmosis" can be received "as a gift" from a pet: small dogs can be carriers, but from cats it is very easy to get infected. The precautionary rules are simple: a pregnant woman should not clean her cat’s toilet herself, feed the animal with raw meat. If you follow basic hygiene rules and remember to visit your veterinarian regularly, serious problems will never affect your family. Do not forget that any pet is alive. Get ready for the fact that, like any other bird, the parrot will make loud noises, a cat or dog can scratch or bite if it is mistreated, and rodents do not smell very good if you stop cleaning them in their cage.