In many homes, pets provide the comfort of a family member and companionship. They also teach responsibility. Whether it’s feeding the cat, walking the dog or cleaning the tank, taking care of a pet encourages kids to pitch in and feel capable. Pets also give kids a chance to learn about animal reproduction, illness, death and bereavement.
Pets can help kids connect with other people and can even make them feel healthier. Studies have shown that being socially isolated makes people more likely to develop heart disease, depression and diabetes. Having a pet may also lower stress levels and increase immune systems by helping children get exercise and learn to relax.
However, not all animals are good for kids. Some animals are high-maintenance, require a lot of space or can trigger allergies. Some pets also have very short life spans, which can be hard for kids to accept.
Moreover, pets can be difficult to get rid of. If a child can’t keep their pet, or the pet becomes too sick or old to live, it can be difficult to find a new home. Many shelters are overcrowded and animals are euthanized or abandoned because people fail to take care of them.
The decision to bring a pet into the home should be made with thought and consideration, including the age of the child and their ability and willingness to assume the responsibilities involved. It’s important to be honest with your children and set expectations for them, as well as yourself, about how much time you can devote to the pet. If you have to rehome your pet, be prepared to explain to your children that it’s not their fault and the loss of the pet can be difficult.
Some pets are not a good fit for kids at all, especially if they’re very young or prone to rough handling. For example, mice, hamsters and gerbils are prey animals, so they’re naturally scared of humans and may bite or scratch if handled incorrectly. Young children can also inadvertently injure them if they try to hold the animal while it’s trying to escape.
In addition, pets can be very loud and noisy, which can be stressful for kids. Having a pet can also be very expensive, especially if the animal is injured or sick. It’s important to talk with your children about the responsibilities, costs and commitment involved before getting one. Children should understand that their new pet will need food, water and love. It’s also a good idea to educate your children about the life cycle of the animal and its needs to be healthy, such as bathing (brushing helps to build large muscles of the arms) and toilet training (walking a dog develops their legs and lungs). Finally, it’s important to remember that, no matter how much they love their pet, it will eventually die. Having a backup plan in place can prevent kids from becoming devastated by this loss.