As a parent, you will have thought about whether or not to buy a pet for your family. There are upsides and downsides, it’s true. The question is, whether or not the advantages ultimately outweigh the disadvantages. This post focuses on how pets can teach responsibility to children of all ages, and why that makes them a great addition to any home.
Pets Ownership Has Valuable Admin Lessons
There is some admin attached to pet ownership that is great to get the kids involved with. As a parent, it’s great to be able to teach about financial management and responsibilities in a positive, memorable way, and getting a pet is the perfect arena to do so. What are the key admin areas to explore together?
Insurance
All responsible pet owners take out insurance, especially for bigger animals like cats and dogs. Sitting down together and looking at pet insurance comparison options is a great channel for showing the various ins and outs of ownership and the type of things they will need to do when they are adults too. Use a pet insurance comparison site and let them fill in the details as you go along.
Vets
Getting your pet set up at the vet and scheduling the first appointment is a milestone moment. Let your kids take the lead in researching and choosing the best establishment for their treasured companion, and they can even learn phone skills here too.
Budgeting
There will be a lot to budget for with a new pet. Food has to be bought, insurance must be paid and there are ongoing costs like flea and worm subscriptions too. Show your kids the budget and how to work it, and they can be actively involved in managing this aspect of your financial life. There are always benefits to teaching kids about money from an early age.
Positive Grooming Habits
Looking after pets with coats, like rabbits or dogs, means there will be grooming involved. Your children will come to understand the need for gentleness and how to look after something by being involved in the hygiene routine of the family animal. It may even inspire them to create their own welfare schedule too!
Empathy Lessons
There is no better way to teach empathy than through the love of an animal. The children will see the world through a different pair of eyes as they create a long-lasting bond with their pets. This teaches amazing empathy skills across a wide scope that they will take with them all through life.
Feeding
Just like regular grooming is a necessity, so is a good feeding schedule. With help and guidance, children can establish a fantastic sense of responsibility by being in charge of filling, washing, and stock monitoring the animal food. Their job could involve letting you know when new food needs to be bought and adjusting the amounts as the pet grows up alongside them!
Responsibility is a big task for a child. As they grow, they will need real-life lessons that guide them into being able to look after themselves when they become independent. Pets are the perfect channel to do just that.
