About This Lesson
Adopting a new family pet is a big decision that comes with plenty of responsibilities. When it comes to families with children, the impact can be even more significant as children must learn how to properly interact with and care for the new pet. If you are considering adopting an animal and are looking to involve your children in the process of care, keep in mind the tips listed below.
Research Your Options
Go out of your way to learn about the options that are available when it comes to pet adoptions. Keep in mind that certain pets will require more advanced upkeep than others. When you have narrowed down your choices during the selection process, go out of your way to do additional research on each animal type while involving your family so that you can make a more educated decision with their input being taken into consideration. For example, there are plenty of human foods cats can eat, which can make cats a good addition for families who want to personally prepare pet meals at home.
Choose Wisely
When you are looking for a new pet to adopt, consider the ages of your children and the sort of environment your home provides. Certain pets are more fragile or require more specialized treatment than others, making them difficult for young children. Others may have a more finicky nature that makes them less desirable for homes with kids. Go out of your way to select your new family pet based upon what will suit your family dynamic. In addition to ensuring home safety, you can make sure that your new family member will be receiving proper care based upon what responsibilities you can comfortably divide among family members.
Emphasize Calm Interactions
The excitement of getting a new pet can sometimes feel overpowering when you bring your new family member home. Make sure your children are taught to demonstrate calm behaviors around your new pet. Encourage a relaxed demeanor and teach your children how to physically interact with your new family member in an easygoing and gentle way. Many pets will require an adjustment period before they can embrace their new home, especially when it comes to younger animals. Help your children understand this transition period while also emphasizing the importance of the animal being able to get proper sleep when needed in addition to being able to get time alone if so desired.
Give Them Jobs
Assign your children responsibilities associated with pet care to help give them a sense of ownership while also teaching them how to appropriately care for animals. Make sure you base the duties you assign upon the pet you have, the age of your children and what works for your family schedule.
Teach Animal Behaviors
Help your children understand the different types of animal behaviors that your pet may display and what each can mean. There are plenty of signals that many animals give off that can indicate certain moods, forms of encouragement and warnings among others. This will give your kids the ability to better read situations with the family pet in addition to being able to understand some of your pet’s methods of communication. Help your children practice awareness and respect for when your pet demonstrates behaviors that indicate disinterest in interaction.
Take Family Vet Trips
Taking your kids with you when you go with your pet to the vet is a great way to teach your children about healthy animal care while giving them an opportunity to see some of the responsibility involved in owning a pet. The initial check-ups alongside vaccinations are great opportunities to bring your children along. In addition to teaching your kids more about appropriate pet care, it may help make some of your kids more comfortable when it comes to going to the doctor’s office themselves.
Getting a new family pet is exciting. By teaching your children about proper pet care, you can empower them with the ability to help make your home a safe and fun environment for everyone.
