Family Tips: Children and Pets
A pet in the family can have many advantages for your child. As a parent, there are important considerations for making decisions around children and pets.
From an educational point of view, pets can provide lessons about life – reproduction, birth, illnesses, accidents, death and bereavement. They can also help foster a sense of responsibility as your child learns to take care of their beloved pet.
Emotionally, a positive relationship with a family pet can contribute to your child’s self-esteem and confidence. It can also encourage the development of trusting relationships with others.
Non-verbal communication, compassion and empathy are also developed as your child learns about love, loyalty and affection.
Pets provide comfort contact and can be safe recipients of secrets and private thoughts – children often talk to their pets, like they do to their stuffed toys.
Choosing an Appropriate Pet for Your Family
All kinds of pets can bring pleasure to children, but it’s important to choose a pet that is right for your family, your lifestyle and your home environment.
Dogs need a large, fenced section and plenty of attention. Do your research and choose a breed that is calm and patient.
Cats don’t need fences, but a property on a busy main road is a high risk. Look for a cat that is friendly and likes to be petted.
Smaller animals such as guinea pigs and rabbits can be good household pets, but young children will need close supervision. Keep in mind that small animals can easily be injured if they are squeezed or dropped. They may also bolt if startled or hurt.
Fish can be fun for children to watch and care for. Make sure you place the tank where children can’t climb up and fall in, or pull the tank down onto themselves.
Safety Tips for Children and Pets
You should always supervise young children around pets. Use these safety tips to protect both children and pets from harm and help your child enjoy, respect and understand your family pet.
Teach Your Children To:
- Walk slowly up to and away from animals
- Learn your pets’ angry signals, i.e. ears back, hair standing out, hissing, growling, barking, showing their teeth, etc
- Handle all pets or animals gently
- Wash their hands after handling or petting an animal
Teach Your Children NOT To:
- Grab an animal by the feet, ears or tail
- Poke or throw things at an animal
- Tease or stare at an animal
- Disturb an animal that is eating, sleeping or chewing on something
- Run up to or away from an animal
- Treat an animal like a toy
- Approach or try to separate two animals if they are fighting
We hope these tips will help you in deciding on the best pet for your family!
