BUILDING RESPONSIBILITY THROUGH PET CARE
Instilling trust , kindness , and social connections
PETS
BUILDING RESPONSIBILITY THROUGH PET CARE
Welcoming a pet into the family introduces a sense of responsibility in children . Caring for a pet imparts invaluable life skills , teaching accountability and the importance of maintaining a routine . Children become adept at tasks such as feeding , grooming , and exercising their pets , establishing a daily routine that lays the foundation for
future responsibilities , including self-care and family caregiving .
It ’ s important to note that children over 5 years old can handle developmentally appropriate responsibilities for pet care . For younger children under 4 , close monitoring with pets is essential , and those under 10 should not be expected to care for a dog or cat entirely on their own .
Instilling trust , kindness , and social connections
Bereavement . When a pet passes away , a child will learn about the grieving process . Respect . Requiring gentle touching and learning about boundaries when the pet is eating and sleeping will develop respect for others in young children , which is a difficult skill to learn at a young age . Self-esteem . When pets show unconditional love , it boosts a child ’ s self-esteem . Being responsible also develops self-esteem in young children . Loyalty . Pets are very loyal and a good example of how to treat others that are important to the child and family . Patience . Sometimes bonding with a pet takes time , as well as teaching tricks and learning good behaviour . Social Skills . Pets are great in helping “ break the ice .” On outings , dogs encourage conversations with others and will improve a child ’ s social skills . Empathy . Children growing up with a pet do so with more empathy towards animals and more empathy in general .
61 MARKtoe ! Desember 2023 / Januarie 2024