What about the parents?
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:49:00 11/11/2008
Filed Under: Family, Animals, Lifestyle & Leisure
ASSESS how you feel about an animal. If you’re just humoring your kid but actually hate getting dog hair on the sofa, there’s a problem. “Many parents will buy a pet for their kid on impulse, bahala na who’ll take care of it,” says veterinarian Nielsen Donato. “But the fact is, parents will still play a big part in everything.” So be ready— and get over it, because the joy a pet can bring will far outweigh the cost of a pair of chewed-up slippers.
Say yes or no for the right reasons. “Many parents say ‘no’ because they don’t think a child is ready for a pet, not just because they don’t like dogs, so make that clear,” says Dr. Donato. But when you say ‘yes,’ make sure the child knows what you expect him to do, and that it won’t just be the yaya’s responsibility.
Realize that a pet is a living thing, not a toy. Dr. Donato seethes when he hears parents tell their kids, “If he dies, that’s okay, we can always buy another.” “You must give them a sense of the importance of living things—even if it’s an insect, if it’s your pet, you must take care of it,” he says.
Prepare your child for the bad parts... The first few weeks with a new pet can be really hard, so don’t lose patience over accidents and take time to housebreak, train, and welcome a pet. Make sure your child gets over his aversion to animal poop, urine and vomit as soon as possible. Also, make sure your child understands that many animals have short lives. That way, a pet’s death can be less of a trauma—and more of a learning experience…and let him enjoy the good parts. For Dr. Donato, the ideal age to get a dog or cat would be 10 and above. “Younger kids can start with smaller creatures that require less maintenance, like hamsters or rabbits.” When your child does finally get a dog or a cat, don’t freak out every time he soils his clothes; relax, and let them play and get dirty together. You’ll be helping your child bond with one of the best friends he’ll ever have.
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