Do you have pets? How do you feel about them? How do you feel about children handling pets? Many parents are advocates and share the view that letting children have pets is a good idea because it cultivates a sense of responsibility in them. For some, pets are also loyal companions to their children and it is also a form of good bonding between child and pet.
We used to have 3 lovely cats and a lively little pup at home before Ryan came along. Then one of my little furry friend left us a year ago and we also gave up the pup to a family who are better caregivers than we are. So now we have 2 cats and for his last birthday, the daddy bought Ryan some fishes as his very own pets.
Of course Ryan doesn’t know anything about handling or caring for the pets other than knowing how to comfort the cats when they meow. When one of them meows loudly, he thinks that she’s crying and he would call her name and say “Don’t cry…” He is also always curious about the fishes in the aquarium and often asks to touch and feed them.
As a result of always having pets around us, Ryan has grown up to like animals. I would love for him to start being able to get close to the home pets. He’s not allowed to touch the cats as they are long haired and I’m worried he’ll get asthmatic because of that. So I thought he’d have to wait a while more before he can freely handle them. I like the idea of him growing up with pets and learning to care for them as well.
Since he’s used to tagging along with us to the pet stores whenever we have to buy our cat supplies, he’s used to visiting pet shops and would sometimes even asks to go to one to see more dogs, cats and hamsters. And we try not to say no to that each time unless we are really pressed for time. I think it is important to instill in him the love for nature and animals alike.
How about you? When would you start your kids off with pets? Do you think pets are good for children’s development?
