You know that lady at the dinner party sitting on the floor with the host’s dog while the small talk (quite literally) goes over her head? Yeah… that’s me. Like many people I have had the awesome opportunity to love and be loved by companion animals. Some of my earliest memories revolve around family pets and I consider all of the animals I’ve had in my life as key figures in teaching me some extremely important life lessons from loss to love and everything in between.
As many other couples did in our generation, my husband and I entered into parenthood with two companion dogs by our side. When kids entered the picture I regret to say that these animals we had previously referred to as our ‘fur-babies’ became just our pets, or on the toughest days even a nuisance. And it sucked. It added to the feeling of guilt and being spread too thin as a parent. We pushed through the baby-phase with just enough energy to keep their water dishes filled, but as the kids get (just a little) less needy I’m finding more time to connect with our pets and I’m paying more attention to the fact that they’re filling roles as teachers, friends, and family. Here are just a few of the things I’m noticing and things to consider if you’ve questioned raising your kids with pets:
Empathy
Having a child learn non-verbals from animals and using their intuition to meet their needs is huge in helping them develop a sense of compassion and identify emotions in others. Animals don’t have words so they’re great at training their humans to understand their moods and emotions through less obvious tactics. This is definitely great practice for kids to start tuning into their own emotions and those of others around them.
Responsibility
We’re heard time and time again that kids need structure. Know who else needs structure? Your pets. You’re tired, you have needs. I get it kid, trust me! But learning to stick to your commitments and a routine on a daily basis helps kids stay structured and accountable. The dogs will always need to be fed and exercised and if the cat doesn’t get his food on time, he definitely lets us know. Having pets is built in structure and responsibility. Before he was three it became my son’s job to feed the dogs every day and he takes his job very seriously, and with great pride! Instead of viewing it as a chore he looks at it as something he gets to do and feels like a big kid when can do it all by himself.
Confidence
For years now animals have been used in therapeutic settings and numerous studies have shown that children who have quality interactions with animals feel more connected to their community and in social relationships. The more people who love our children the better, right? Having a strong attachment to a pet who depends on and loves our kids unconditionally helps them feel needed, competent, and lovable. I can’t really think of a better, more necessary gift for a child. Whether your kid practices reading to your dog or can get the cat to play with a string there are endless encounters with animals that can help kids feel empowered and important.
Humor
Like kids, animals have an overwhelming sense of curiosity and an unending need to explore. Matching them up together is a recipe for childhood memories, laughs, and of course endless adorable photo opportunities. Watching your kids learn to take care of something other than themselves is a sight to behold; especially when it involves dressing the family dog up in dress-up clothes or insisting they get tucked in with them at bedtime. If you decide to add pets to your family, get your camera ready.
Finding the right pet for your family is extremely important; be it a low-maintenance guinea pig or a high-energy dog, do your homework! And really examine what your family can handle; taking on a pet is a huge responsibility. There are TONS of animals waiting to be adopted at local animal shelters and rescues and the best fit for your family is bound to come along. And don’t forget, in the words of Bob Barker, please spay and neuter your pets!
