As any parent will gladly inform you – kids love animals, and they will always ask for a pet. The kids might want different animals, but they all have one thing in common: they will keep asking for it, hoping that you’ll yield. Of course, you’ll want to keep you children happy, and perhaps even you were thinking about getting a pet, but how to know which pet is right for your family at the moment? We’re here to help you make an informed decision.
To help your child overcome shyness:
Kids who are very shy will benefit from having a pet. It will help them be more open to other children and people. Taking a dog for a walk will allow them to get to know other children who also have dogs. There will always be an interesting story to share when they’re among friends – what their silly ferret did last night, and how their hedgehog snores when it sleeps. Having a pet means someone will always be there for your child, and they can read and talk to them so they will grow to be more confident and more open.
To keep your home neat and clean:
If you feel like having a four-legged creature in your home would be too much for you to bear or a member of your family is allergic, why not opt for a fish or a bird instead? While cleaning the aquarium is always a difficult task, cleaning a cage is easy and can be done in a couple of minutes. Domestic birds are lovely and they can entertain you from the safety of their cage. Don’t go out buying a huge parrot when a small parakeet is playful and chatty and will even be able to help your child with their speaking. Make sure the children keep their fingers out of the cage and keep it out of reach when you’re not around.
To teach your kids about responsibilities:
Another great lesson a pet will inevitably teach your child is responsibility. If they are young, your children can do small tasks like feeding the fish in the aquarium or grooming the cat. As they grow and mature, they will be able to take on more responsibilities. Daily walks and regular trips to the vet are as important as petting them and playing with them. If the pet has a health issue, it’s good to know what they need. For those with weaker teeth, there should always be special food, and for those with sick kidneys, you can filter water using uv home water treatment to ensure they’re drinking fresh and clean water.
To give them a real friend:
Real friendship is rare and should be treasured. When you’re growing up, you quarrel with your friends from time to time, and you learn to accept people for who they are. Sometimes, a pet can help you with that. Pets show you what unconditional love and devotion is, and both you and your children will learn to show that same love back. Dogs in particular show loyalty and love to their ‘humans’, so to have your child form a special bond with another living being is truly magical. Pets will be their best friends who will never tell on them, never spill their secrets, and never let them down, and that is something truly rare and wonderful.
It doesn’t matter if you decide to adopt a shelter cat or you get an aquarium with exotic fish, it’s important to set the ground rules first, otherwise you will have your home, your kids, and your new pet to look after. Make sure that everyone knows what their obligations and responsibilities are, and arm yourselves with patience. After all, not all pets are always so fuzzy and sweet, and you will all probably need some time to adjust.
