by Maggie Mae

Created on: January 17, 2009   Last Updated: January 27, 2009

Mom, I want a dog. Dad can I have a cat? We have all heard this before. As any parent knows, this question brings one to our minds: Is my child able and willing to care properly for this pet? The answer is yes. Here are some simple tips to let your child take on the care for another living thing.

First, make a list of chores for each pet. For example, a tetra fish needs food and clean water. Pretty easy. A dog on the other hand needs food, water, outside breaks for "the deeds", someone to clean up the doggie piles of bowel movements, walks to stay in shape, shots, baths, brushed out, nails clipped, vet visits, and behavior management. Big responsibility. A parent has to decide if the child alone is going to be responsible for every chore. A trip to the vet's office is not going to be something that a child can do alone. Pick someone to be the partner for chores that are too complex for the child to manage.

Second, look at the list and make a chart of how often each "chore" needs to be done. When the job is completed, have your child place a mark in the column. Use a dry erase board or a reusable chart. Do this for every chore for each day of the week.

Next, talk to your child about what would happen to the pet if the chores were not done.

Make plans that if the child is sick or unavailable due to prior commitments on who would do the chores.

Finally, discuss what consequences would happen if the child does not perform the chores. If the child misses a chore, give a warning that there will be consequences. The consequence depends on the child's age and seriousness of the offense. If the child does not feed the fish twice, then he or she misses a favorite show on television. If the child forgets to let the dog outside to do its business, and the dog does it inside, the child should clean it up if he or she is old enough. If it happens every night because the child is playing with the Wii instead of letting the dog out to wee-wee, then the child loses the Wii for a week. If the neglect continues for a long period, discuss giving the pet away. Make sure you tell the child in the beginning that if he or she does not continue the care for the pet, then a new owner will be found. Put it in writing like a contract for the child to sign if old enough to understand.

Owning a pet is one way to teach responsibility and compassion. In addition, if they are old enough to sign a contract, then it will also teach them a little about the law and how to fulfill obligations.

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