Taking
care of pets teaches children about responsibility and compassion. Studies have
proven time and again that children who grow up with pets are more confident
and are happier. Being around pets also keeps people healthy!
If
you have been thinking about adopting a pet for your child (despite the fact that you can't really have dragons as pets), it is best to do
your homework. For starters, you could get your child to play pet games on one of the many virtual pet
sites. Games apart, kids also need to take care of their virtual pets by
feeding them and playing with them to keep their pets alive and kicking. Of
course, taking care of a real life pet is a different ball game altogether and
comes with its share of demands.
While
some choose to adopt exotic pets, it is best to start with common pets.
Choosing the right pet involves understanding the needs of the pets and to see
if you have the environment and resources to match those needs.
Cats
Kittens
are some of the most sought-after pets for young children. These fur balls love
to play and do need attention, though they are not as demanding as dogs, and
are equally comfortable to be on their own. Some people can be allergic to
cats, so you will need to check for that. Fostering a kitten first rather
than adopting one can tell you if anyone in your family is allergic to cats.
Dogs
The
needs of dogs differ according to their breed. You will need to choose the
right puppy based not on their cuteness but by understanding if you can provide
for them. Dogs need a lot of attention, playtime and daily walks. Bigger breeds
need a lot of space to run around and cannot be kept in small apartments.
Hamsters
Hamsters are adorable and easy to
maintain. They don’t require a lot of fussing and they do quite well on their
own. They are usually active at night, so don’t require much care during the
day. However, it is important to clean their cage and bedding regularly as they
can get smelly.
Birds
Birds
can be active, intelligent, and do need interaction. You will need to make sure
that your child is ready and able to shower them with attention every day. They
leave behind quite a mess in the cages and your child should be willing to
handle that, and there is the constant chirping!
Pets
also require vet attention from time to time for
vaccinations and other check-ups. All pets need to be groomed, fed and played
with but in varying degrees. By factoring in your child’s personality, the kind
of commitment they will be able to give a pet, and your lifestyle, you will be
able to make the right choice.
