Animals and baby. Pets and their importance in child development

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Almost all kids ask for a pet. Often such requests appear even if there is already a pet in the house. Can pets and a child get along under the same roof? Which pet is better to choose as a gift for your beloved son/daughter?

How to prepare a pet for replenishment in the family?

Many young couples first get a dog, cat or fish, and only then are puzzled by the appearance of their own offspring. Upon learning that a baby will soon appear, future parents are often in disarray, and some even decide to give the pet into good hands, fearing possible difficulties. In fact, this measure is extreme. But if a 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) are a danger to each other.

First of all, evaluate the pet's living conditions: if it is a bird, rodent, fish or other animal that lives inclosed space, his house should be taken out of the room in which the crib will stand. Place the cage/aquarium/terrarium at a level out of the reach of a child. Things are a little more complicated with a dog, cat or other animal moving freely throughout the house. The most important thing in this case is to wean the pet to sleep 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's ears, tail and evaluate its reaction.

Important introduction

Animals and a child can become the best friends if the elders properly educate each of them. The kid should be taught to adequately handle the animal. Tell how you can behave with a pet, do not ignore the moment if the child shows cruelty. Avoid categorical prohibitions - do not be lazy every time to explain that these actions cause pain to the animal and can harm its he alth. Be sure to involve your child in pet care. Even if he spills food or toilet filler, but over time he will be able to perform all the necessary manipulations no worse than yours. Caring for an animal develops a sense of responsibility and other positive qualities.

Child asks for an animal…

The day when a daughter or son comes to his parents with a request to buy / adopt some kind of pet comes in the life of any family. How to respond to such persuasion? You don't have to give up right away. Primarily,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 upcoming refusal, explain to the child, offer to wait until a major holiday, save up 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 sounds, damage to household property and furniture, excess garbage in the apartment). Most problems can be solved by proper upbringing of the pet. A trained dog will not tear the wallpaper, cats are easily toilet trained, and if rodent cages are cleaned regularly, there will be no unpleasant odor. Discuss with your child in advance all the features of keeping an animal and make sure that he wants to take care of himself.

How to reach a compromise?

It's not uncommon for children to ask their parents for something completely impossible. But even in this situation, any request and desire should be discussed in detail. If you're ready to adopt a pet, but you're not happy with a particular choice of a child, offer a worthy alternative. Try to explain that purebred cats are no less affectionate and beautiful than kittens born from champions. A large dog should not be kept in a small city apartment, but 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 fluffy owners of sharpclaws and teeth is not the best company for preschoolers or elementary school students.

Choosing the right pet

Which animal to buy for a child? First of all, you should focus on the wishes of your beloved child. If the desire to simply have “animals in the house” comes to the fore, the whole family can go to some kind of exhibition or to a small petting zoo. A good place for an excursion is a large pet store. The general selection rules are simple: animals and a child should not pose a danger to each other. Refuse to buy poisonous 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 outshine the joy of having one.

Animals for 3-5 year olds

Buying a pet for a 2 year old doesn't make sense. But at 3-4 years old, you already have a growing personality, quite capable of becoming a real master. In addition to cats and dogs universal for all ages, good pets for children 4 years old are: birds, large rodents, fish. Parents should understand that adults will have to take care of the acquisition. In addition, older 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, perhaps, and will take care of the animal completely on her own.

Pets for children aged 6 andolder

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 of his responsibilities. At the age of 6, children can be entrusted not only with feeding, but also cleaning the cage / toilet, washing bowls and drinkers, even walking small dogs on the street. But even in this case, it will be better if the child will communicate 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 the right preparation of the child, the appearance of a pet in the house is always a joy. Very often, dogs bought for children become favorites of all the closest relatives of the family and neighbors. Turtles or hamsters can bring no less joy. It is important to understand that, having received an animal as a gift, the child becomes the owner, that is, someone older and more important. It is important to explain to your daughter or son that without constant care and attention, any living creature will quickly get sick, and may die.

It is helpful to develop this behavior from early childhood. Even street cats for children should not be just toys or "wild animals", but living beings first of all. If you regularly take your child to the zoo, feed stray animals and street birds together, it is not at all difficult to develop such qualities as kindness, mercy, and responsiveness. Own pet also teaches responsibility, awakens selfless love and abilityempathize.

A pet is a family member, not a toy

If you are afraid that your newly acquired pet turtles will quickly bore 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 some tricks. The first line in the ranking of pets forgotten by young owners after purchase is occupied by fish in an aquarium. But even they can be done indefinitely. Fish cannot be taken for a walk or fully included in the game. But on the other hand, you can always change the interior in the aquarium, acquire new tenants and plants. Don't forget to name the fish, make up interesting stories about them, and find new facts about the breeds that live in your area. Similarly, you can include any other pets in family life.

Cats, Dogs, or Territory Animals

Every living being has its own character and personality. When it comes to animals, do not forget about instincts. There is an opinion that small dogs are very aggressive, Persian cats are capricious, and rats are smart and quick-witted. Of course, there are exceptions to any rule, but if you are buying an animal as a gift for a child, the choice should be made on a species / breed with a good reputation. Take into account physiological features, for example, turtles sleep too much, and fish in an aquarium require very complex care in compliance with a whole list of rules for each specific species. RegardlessWhich pet you choose, start by gathering information about that breed and species. And only after that go to get acquainted with a particular individual to the breeder.

Possible problems

Do not forget that our smaller brothers are able to carry diseases that are dangerous to humans. You can reduce the likelihood of a home epidemic by visiting the veterinarian regularly and following simple hygiene rules. Wash your hands after each contact with the animal, clean its toilet thoroughly and in a timely manner, do not be too lazy to comb out the coat, etc.

Remember that cats for children are not only best friends, but also a living allergen. Unfortunately, many people only find out about wool allergies after they get a pet. Pregnant women should be careful with animals. The disease "toxoplasmosis" can be obtained "as a gift" from a pet: small dogs can be carriers, but it is quite easy to get infected from cats. The precautionary rules are simple: a pregnant woman should not clean the cat litter on her own, feed the animal with raw meat. If you follow basic hygiene rules and do not forget to visit the 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, a parrot will make loud noises, a cat or dog can scratch or bite if mistreated, and rodents do not smell very good ifstop cleaning their cage.