Have your children asked for a pet for Christmas? It is the gift dreamed by the majority of children, on these and on any date, but they do not have to become the first option or a simple option. Sometimes we have talked about the responsibilities of having and caring for an animal, that's why and if you are considering giving your children a surprise, today we ask ourselves: pets at home with children, yes or no?
It is true that some animals may become the best friend of our children, but there are important issues that we should know before having a pet, such as the fact that, with young children, the last responsible for the animal are the parents. And that pets need many responsibilities and care.
"In return", Children who grow up with a pet get physical and emotional benefits. They tend to be happier and more sociable, the risk of obesity is reduced since children are more active and less sedentary (what would be left on TV if you can go jogging and jump with a little friend?)…
Animals also teach children to be more responsible, but beware, because we have to give them some responsibility appropriate to their age (and do not think that the animal does not entail obligations and care). For example, we will not let them take the dog for a walk on the street if they go alone, but they can give them food, help clean them ...
You also have to keep in mind that Not all pets are the same or suitable for homes with children, pediatricians talk about the different risks:
- Reptiles, turtles or amphibians can transmit salmonella.
- Birds, chicks, ducks or rodents such as hamsters or guinea pigs can trigger allergies to predisposed people.
- Dogs and cats can bite or scratch.
- Big dogs are dangerous for a house with children.
Other issues to consider are: Do I have the right space for the pet we want? A turtle is not the same as a dog, so you have to take into account the size and needs of the animal. Can we take care of him every day? And it is that pets, like children, need continuous attention and care. What will happen on vacation if we travel? Can we take it with us or will we have someone to take care of it?
Having clear the two parts of the balance, the benefits of a pet for the family and the unavoidable responsibilities, we are more ready to choose and avoid situations of abandonment, abuse ... Which always comes well to remember, but especially when it just happened International Animal Rights Day and when dates are approaching when many families think about having a pet.
Before concluding, another issue to emphasize is that pets can be adopted, so that, in addition to the joy of finally having an animal at home, we give children a lesson in solidarity and responsibility.
We end with this explanatory video-report in which these considerations appear in just over four minutes and that can also clarify the question about pets at home with children, so do not miss it if you are considering asking Santa Claus or the Magi an animal for the family.
