Children and pets at home: 7 points that you should value
Are you thinking about having a pet? Do you have doubts about whether it is the most convenient for your children?
The responsibilities involved in taking care of a pet
The decision to have a pet at home must be thoroughly analyzed for the amount of responsibilities involved: be aware of the food, water, bathroom, appointments to the veterinarian, take him out for a walk, give him love.
But on many occasions, parents doubt the convenience of having pets at home. Not only because of the above, but also because of the doubt of whether it will benefit their children, especially if they are small. His concern is not so much with the responsibilities of taking care of an animal, but rather with his fear that his children do not understand that he is an animal and, therefore, leave him abandoned or do not collaborate in his care.
Minimum age?
On this point it is important to mention that It is at the age of 4 when the children are ready to establish a true relationship of love with their "faithful friend" . Before that age it can be complicated for the child to fully understand the implications of having a pet at home, which does not mean that they can not have a pet at home before that age, but it will require constant supervision and preparation. special with the animal.
Generally, when parents have grown up with pets at home, it is easier for them to help their children live with pets. However, it is an extremely interesting and emotional process when animals really love each other and we want to provide them with a home and our unconditional company.
Points to keep in mind when assessing having a pet at home
Next, we have decided to develop some tips and observations to help those parents who are deciding to take a new family member home. Here you have Some of the benefits that occur in children who live with your pet .
1. Self-esteem
The presence of a pet is like that of a faithful friend who accepts you and wants you as you are, by ende children experience that unconditional love , which in turn increases the security in themselves and their environment.
2. Responsibility
The children understand in a very pleasant and receptive way the importance of fulfilling certain responsibilities for the welfare of their new friend: take care of him, bathe him, feed him, take him for a walk or play with him , they are tasks that he likes with his friend. It is also interesting that, as parents, we take advantage of the situation to promote this type of values in our children.
3. Social skills
In a relaxed and mutually accepted space, children learn to interact not only with their pet, but with children who are attracted to their "friend", thus being a simple means of overcoming childhood fears. Added to this, physical activity is increased, through walks, ball games, even within the same homes, which promotes a decrease in stress and an increase in the feeling of tranquility and joy.
4. Discipline
Knowing how to implement, Having a pet at home is an excellent opportunity to encourage discipline at home , since the child must teach and at the same time respect basic rules of coexistence. For example: you can teach him where to do his needs and the schedules, time to eat and go to sleep, but at the same time he must respect the space of the pet while he eats, give him his space to rest, among others.
5. Expression of emotions
In a quiet space, trusting and welcoming for the child, you learn to express love , be careful in their dealings and easily understand the expressions of non-verbal communication. For example, children learn to identify when the pet is sick or scared, as well as the development of intuition and empathy.
6. Union and family cohesion
There is no doubt that the presence of a pet involves all members of the family. The animals are usually very welcoming, tender, playful and friendly and have the ability to easily call the attention of the members of the family. Therefore, with the passage of time everyone becomes involved in their care, being in many cases considered a member of the family nucleus .
7. Breadth of vision
Occasionally, share the home care space with the pet is positive when it comes to helping many children better assimilate the arrival of a little brother .
Teaching and educating in a supportive environment
Many of the benefits that children who care for their pets get are determined by the way that parents treat the animals.In this article benefits are mentioned starting from a loving relationship, responsible, close to the animals, in no attempt to humanize the influence of these pets, but place them in an important space within the family constitution.
This allows a closer, more affective bond and therefore, obtain psychological and affective benefits such as those mentioned throughout the article.
