Giving children pets as clearly labeled gifts is a bad
idea. Make getting a pet a family activity and acquisition that doesn’t involve
the frivolous nature of a present.
Buying a pet is an exciting moment, but should be one more defined by
responsibility than indulgment. A gift
pet can work well when it is given to one of the parents. This way, children ask for the privilege of
taking part in caring for the animal.
This differs from getting the family a pet, and having children leave
you with all the responsibilities. One of the top ten reasons for relinquishing a dog to a shelter in the US is simply "no time for pet", so make sure both you and your children are ready to give a needy animal, such as a dog, a lot of your time and effort. A pet
comes with many responsibilities, so connecting a pet with adult ongoings
helps reinforce the seriousness of keeping the pet. It’s not necessary to emphasize it as ‘Daddy’s
dog’. Make sure to inform children that
the new family member is for everyone to love and share. When children ask why they specifically
cannot have a pet answer "Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility, but you
can help Mommy and/or Daddy with it.” Read
pet books (which are worth the investment to buy and are very informative)
together with your family and allow children to do independent tasks for the
pet such as walking, brushing, feeding, etc.
Many small children will enjoy lightly grooming pets, this is especially
a good choice to assign them if they can’t walk, feed, clean up the pet
themselves.