It can be hard to decide how and when to give your children more responsibility. An important part of any child’s life is starting to take responsibility for their own actions and be responsible for their own decisions, from small choices such as which type of sandwiches they would like to take for lunch to deciding to learn an instrument.
Yes, you might want your children to stay kids forever, but being supportive and putting them on the right path from an early age will ensure that your children grow up into grounded, loving adults. Deciding to get a pet for your household can be an excellent way to make your kids more responsible, teaching them a range of life skills while also caring for a new family member. Read on to find out how getting a pet is a surefire way to teach your kids responsibility.
Choosing the right pet for your household
Are you out at work all day? Do your children suffer from allergies? Do you have a garden? These are all questions you should ask yourself before you decide which pet is right for your household. Cats are much more independent and don’t require as much exercise and attention as dogs, whereas taking a puppy home and getting your kids involved in all aspects of dog ownership means they will quickly learn the importance of adhering to schedules.
Welcoming an animal into your home is a decision that should involve the entire family. They should come with you to meet the puppy you’re after from the best mini Goldendoodle breeder in the USA (or whichever breed you’re interested in near you!) to make sure it has the right temperament and personality for the whole family. They should also go along to their puppy classes, help empty the litter tray, and be sure to feed and bathe your new family member. Pets are for life, so your children must understand that their new four-legged friend will grow with them.
Get your kids more involved
You’ve taken your pet home, and things are going well. However, it’s now time for you to take your pet for their first check-up. This is a great opportunity for you to take your kids along and get them more involved so they understand what it takes to become a truly responsible pet owner. Your children must understand that animals can get unwell, too, and that keeping a healthy, happy pet takes more work than just feeding and walking. The Vet is an excellent place to start teaching your kids about how they need to be involved in your pet’s life and that they sometimes need a little more than TLC to be kept healthy.
Training
Remember, pets, just like children, can be unpredictable at the best of times. From having an accident in the house to ingesting a favourite pair of slippers or even the television remote, your pets will make mischief unless you keep an eye on them. Accidents happen at the best of times, but it’s important that your children are involved in the training of your pet. By seeing firsthand how rules help to keep pets safe, your children will become more responsible for keeping the training consistent, and who knows, they may even develop a greater understanding as to why rules are important for them, too!
