by Tomas Hourican

Created on: January 20, 2009   Last Updated: January 27, 2009

Pets are an invariably welcome addition to any family, providing hours of wonder, days of amusement and an increased awareness for children about the world they live in. Any animal given the role of household pet, should in a child's eyes, become another member of the family and with that, entitled to the care and protection of the family.

Most children are very protective of their younger siblings and best friends so encouraging a similar relationship with regard to a pet, strengthens a desire to be responsible for " My Fido .... or Patch ... or Slinky ... or ", I think you know what I mean. Children love the exclusiveness of pets, "the best friend that never argues and always listens, and never wants anybody else. They only want to be with me". The bond becomes 'real' and the pet is not the favorite doll or imaginary friend, but rather something that looks back and interacts.

There are extra responsibilities with dogs and other 'trainable pets'. The behavior of your child's dog for example, although as a parent is really your responsibility, should in some degree be entrusted to your child. Try and make an effort to make sure that the ways your child tells the dog that something is 'bold' are limited, and initially done in your presence. Mammals work out hierarchy's very quickly. Once that is instilled, then a two way relationship exists and your child becomes that much more involved in their pet.

Make feeding times a family occasion and part of the structure of the day. Depending on the pet, times out of the cage, enclosure or vivarium (if you actually did get a snake) can be a weekend activity or something that always happens on 'Thursday nights'. The more your child feels that your pet is included in the family, the more responsible they will be for it.

Most people who've had pets in their childhood, have fond memories of them. Pets, even more in this day and age, are a solid reference point to the happiest and confidence inspiring moments of our lives.

"To err' is human. To forgive is canine". Maybe not an elephant until they're at least seven or eight then .....

Whatever you finally decide on, enjoy. All pets pick up on that.

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