Pets with children: yes or no?

"Mom, I want a dog!" We parents have assumed that practically all children , at some point in their life, feel the desire to have a pet . It is a natural feeling, since it is seen that humans have a certain tendency to be close to animals (40% of the world population has a pet); However, when the initiative to bring an animal home comes from our little ones, it is convenient to assess the situation well and make sure that we do not make a hasty decision as a result of whimsy.

 

Every year, in Spain alone, 300,000 animals are abandoned, of which it is estimated that a third are Christmas gifts that have subsequently turned out to be a greater responsibility than expected. And it is that, although the trend of giving a puppy for Christmas still remains, the experts influence the importance of making such an important decision as a family, with the participation of all , and making our little ones understand the responsibility that it entails. At the end of the day, it is likely that the animal will stay with us for many years (Be careful! Also on vacation, so it is necessary to make sure that there are alternatives so that our pet can be cared for in our absence); so it should never be something that is decided when the child walks past a pet store… Besides, you know: adopting is always better than buying!

 

If you are thinking of bringing a pet home, you should know that it is best to do it when the children have reached the age of 3 , since it is from that age when they can take on certain tasks for the care of the animal (such as feeding it) and they are able to differentiate the behaviors that can harm them, from those that do them good. Although, if you want your children to be able to assume all the responsibility that comes with having a pet, then the ideal is to wait until 6 years of age .

 

From that age, having pets with children at home can bring multiple benefits for our little ones:

 

- Health . Children who are exposed to animal hair from a young age develop immunity to these agents and are less likely to suffer from allergies or asthma. In addition, in the case of dogs, they encourage physical activity in the child and the desire to go out to play or take walks in the park.

- Well-being . Contact with animals causes our body to generate endorphins that, also in the case of children, relieve anxiety and stress. In addition, his company avoids the feeling of loneliness.

- Sociability . Interaction with animals makes the little ones develop greater empathy , self-esteem and makes them more sociable people with the ability to interact with other living beings.

- Responsibility . Taking on the tasks of caring for the animal helps our children to be more responsible and learn the importance of discipline.

 

… And besides, pets are an inexhaustible source of love and affection in the home!

 

If it is said that they are "man's best friend" it is for something. They are the favorites of children because they are sociable, affectionate, easy to train and very loyal . The bond that is created between a dog and its owners is forever! When choosing a breed, for children it is better to opt for females and medium-large in size , since they tend to be more docile.

 

Although they tend to be more independent and surly, cats are also affectionate and excellent pets , as they do not require as much care as dogs. In the case of cats, it is very important that the child is old enough to know how to respect the animal's space and thus avoid problems.

 

A very good option, since - although at a lower level than dogs and cats - they have an excellent relationship with people and do not require as much care. In addition, they hardly require space, since they spend most of their time in the cage.

 

Ideal to begin to instill respect for animals in younger children. They do not play and tend to have a short life, but the little care they require is easily acceptable for children and they love to entertain themselves with the enormous variety of colors and shapes they present.

 

With these tips, you are ready to discuss and value it together. Pets at home, yes or no?