What Is The Appropriate Age To Have A Pet
Having a pet implies a great responsibility, that is why knowing when is the right time for your child to take care of an animal is vital for both of you. “My parents would not let me have a pet, although a dog was what I most wanted to have in the world . ” How many people went through this situation managed to have it and it ended up being a blessing in life.
All children should be able to experience the company of an animal, as it brings multiple benefits if it is at the appropriate age. When you have a pet, you also have a kind of “best friend.”
This means that your child must be the right age to socialize with her and mature enough to understand that a pet is a living being that requires care, attention and affection, unlike a toy that can be kept if it gets tired of play with him.
The responsibility of having a pet is relative but above all half shared, and we say half shared because we know that children must have important tasks in caring for their pet. Of course, in our hands is the responsibility of guiding them in the execution of each of these tasks.
When a little one has a pet, the whole family has it
An ideal pet for every age
When there are children at home, it is practically inevitable to hear at some point: “I want a pet!” When it comes to the relationship between pets and children, not everything is written, but here are some tips that will guide you to know if the day has come to add a member to the family.
- Between the first and third year, children do not have enough capacity to care for any type of animal. In fact, they may be afraid of them so it is essential that you teach them to respect them.
- By the age of four, your child can be on the lookout for food or can even clean up the place where his pet sleeps. For this stage, experts suggest animals such as cats or turtles, animals that tend to be a little more independent and require less attention.
- Between five and six years is the most recommended age to have a dog. At this age the child can take responsibility for small tasks and have fun bathing and taking him for a walk.
- If your child prefers a non-traditional pet, the ideal is to wait for ten years or more. At this point, respect for the animals’ habitat cannot be set aside.
- If the very existence of the animal and the life of your child are at risk, it is better to decline the idea.
Here’s what you and your child should know about animals
Like any living being, animals feel and suffer. They can get sick and angry, it is normal and it is important for children to know that their pet is capable of experiencing different states. Children should know that each animal is different, each one has its own character and even personality. A cat will not react to a hug the way a dog would, for example. Teach him to distinguish conscientiously to avoid unnecessary inconvenience and accidents.
Not all animals are domestic. The choice of the pet is a significant act, a wild animal should not be raised as a pet. Respect and consideration for animals is invaluable. Teach your child the value of giving a chance to an animal that needs to be adopted.
Animals need their space
It is true that perhaps one animal may seem more beautiful or striking than another, but not all animals adapt easily to the character of their owner; therefore, the breed and size must be suitable. Animals need space and a suitable environment. Dogs, cats or birds need a place and an environment in which they can grow and develop with a guaranteed quality of life.
Certainly the age will be decisive when choosing the ideal pet, but our good judgment must prevail in such a decision, without forgetting that the maturity of the child, in addition to the education and the love that you have instilled in him for the animals also counts.
In any case, it is essential to instill in children respect and love for animals. Teach them that they are beings that live and feel and that they need unconditional love and affection so that in this way, they can create a stable emotional bond with their pets.
