Animals and the child. Pets and their importance in the development of the child

Almost all children are asked to have a pet. Often such requests appear even in the event that the pet in the house already exists. Can pets and children live under the same roof? What kind of pet is better to choose as a gift to your beloved son / daughter?

How to prepare a pet for family replenishment?

Many young couples first start a dog, cat or fish, and only after they get puzzled by the appearance of their own offspring. Learning that soon a baby will appear, future parents are often in turmoil, and some even decide to give the pet in good hands, for fear of possible difficulties. In fact, this measure is extreme. But if a pet already lives in the house, it should be prepared for the appearance of a new member of the family. Future parents should understand that a small child and any animal (even the most sweet and innocuous) represents a danger to each other.

First of all, assess the conditions of the pet's habit: if it's a bird, a rodent, a fish or some other animal that lives in an enclosed space, its house should be taken out of the room in which there will be a cot. Place the cage / aquarium / terrarium on a level inaccessible to the child. A little more difficult is the situation with a dog, cat or other animal moving freely throughout the house. The most important thing in this case is to wean the pet to sleep in one bed with the owner, climb on the table. It is also important that the animal is not aggressive - try to personally pull the pet for the ears, tail and evaluate his reaction.

Important acquaintance

Animals and children can become best friends, if the elders correctly educate each of them. The baby should be taught how to handle the animal adequately. Tell us how you can behave with the pet, do not ignore the moment if the child is cruel. Avoid categorical prohibitions - do not be lazy each time to explain that these actions cause the animal pain and can damage his health. Be sure to involve the child in caring for the pet. Let him and wake the food or filler for the toilet, but eventually he will manage to perform all the necessary manipulations no worse than you. Caring for the animal develops a sense of responsibility and other positive qualities.

A child asks for an animal ...

The day when a daughter or son comes to the parents with a request to purchase / take a pet, comes in the life of any family. How to react to such persuasion? To refuse at once it is not necessary. First of all, answer yourself - are you ready for the appearance of the animal in the house. If you do not like this idea, try to specifically argue it. It's no secret that many thoroughbred and exotic animals today are quite expensive. If this is the main reason for the planned refusal, just explain to the child, suggest waiting until the big holiday, accumulating personal pocket money (if any) or refusing to buy a new computer / expensive toy. The content of many animals is associated with certain difficulties (loud sounds, damage to household property and furniture, extra garbage in the apartment). Most problems can be solved by proper pet education. The trained dog will not tear the wallpaper, cats are easily accustomed to the toilet, and if rodents are cleaned regularly, an unpleasant smell will not appear. Discuss with the child in advance all the features of the animal's content and make sure of his desire to look after himself.

How to reach a compromise?

Often children ask their parents for something completely impossible. But even in this situation, any request and desire should be discussed in detail. If you are ready to start a pet, but you are not happy with the specific choice of the child, offer a worthy alternative. Try to explain that mongrel cats are no less affectionate and beautiful than kittens born from champions. A large dog should not be started in a small city apartment, but a fish or a parrot is quite possible. Animals and children should feel comfortable next to each other. Poisonous snakes and spiders, as well as fluffy owners of sharp claws and teeth - this is not the best company for preschoolers or primary school students.

Correct choice of a pet

What animal to buy for a child? Orient should be primarily on the wishes of your beloved child. If the desire to simply have "living creatures in the house" comes to the forefront, you can go to an exhibition or a small contact zoo with the whole family. A good place for an excursion is a large pet shop. The general rules of choice are simple: animals and children should not be dangerous to each other. Refuse to buy poisonous exotics, aggressive breeds of dogs and cats. You should not buy a pet that requires complicated care and special conditions. Remember, the grief of losing a pet is immediately eclipsed by the joy of acquiring it.

Animals for children 3-5 years old

To buy a pet for a child of 2 years does not make sense. But in 3-4 years you have a growing personality, quite capable of becoming a real master. In addition to universal for all ages cats and dogs, good pets for children of 4 years are: birds, large rodents, fish. Parents should understand that they will have to look after the acquisition for adults. In addition, senior family members must constantly monitor the child and, if possible, not leave him alone with the pet. Do not be afraid, eventually the daughter or son will gladly help, perhaps, and completely independently will take care of the animal.

Pets for children 6 years and older

If your child is preparing to go to the first grade, you can choose the animal in accordance with the wishes and possibilities of the family. Even before acquiring a pet, discuss with the future owner his responsibilities. At the age of 6, children can be trusted not only for feeding, but also for cleaning the cage / toilet, washing the bowls and drinking bowls, even walking small dogs on the street. But even in this case it will be better if you communicate with the pet the child will be supervised by someone from the elders. A good animal for a child of 6 years is a bird. Also you can get fish or amphibians, any rodents.

How do animals affect children?

With the correct preparation of the child, the appearance of a pet in the house is always a joy. Very often, dogs, purchased for children, become favorites of all the immediate family and neighbors. No less joy can bring and turtles or hamsters. It is important to understand that, having received an animal as a gift, the child becomes the master, that is, someone older and more important. It is important to explain to the daughter or son that without constant care and attention, any living thing will quickly fall ill, or may die.

It is useful to develop this behavior from early childhood. Even street cats for children should not just be toys or "wild beasts," but living beings first of all. If you regularly drive a child to the zoo, feed stray animals and street birds together, it is not difficult to develop such qualities as kindness, mercy, responsiveness. Own pet accustoms also to responsibility, awakens selfless love and the ability to empathize.

A pet is a family member, not a toy!

If you are afraid that newly acquired homebugs will quickly bother your child, do not be lazy to regularly stimulate his interest in animals. Together, read about your pet, watch documentaries. If possible, play with a pet, try to perform some tricks. The first line in the ranking of pets forgotten by young owners after buying, is occupied by fish in the aquarium. But even they can be engaged indefinitely. Fish can not be taken for a walk or fully included in the game. But you can always change the interior in the aquarium, buy new tenants and plants. Do not forget to give names to fish, make up interesting stories about them and find new facts about the breeds that live with you. Similarly, you can include in your family life and any other pets.

Cats, dogs, or Animals that have their own territory

Every living being has his own character and personality. If we are talking about animals, do not forget about the instincts. There is an opinion that small dogs are very aggressive, Persian cats are wayward, and rats differ in intelligence and ingenuity. Of course, from any rule there are exceptions, but if you buy an animal as a gift to a child, the choice should be made on a species / breed with a good reputation. Consider the physiological characteristics, for example, the turtles sleep too much, and the fish in the aquarium require very complex care, with an entire list of rules for each particular species. Regardless of which pet you choose, start by collecting information about this breed and the species. And only after that go to get acquainted with a particular individual to the breeder.

Possible problems

Do not forget that our younger brothers can tolerate diseases that are dangerous to humans. Reduce the likelihood of a domestic epidemic can be, regularly visiting a veterinarian and observing simple hygienic rules. Wash your hands after each contact with the animal, carefully and timely remove its toilet, do not be too lazy to comb the hair and stuff.

Remember that cats for children are not only best friends, but also a living allergen. Unfortunately, many people learn about allergies to wool only after they get a pet. With caution, you should communicate with animals pregnant women. The disease "toxoplasmosis" can be obtained "as a gift" from a pet: little dogs can be carriers, but from cats it's quite easy to get infected. The precautionary rules are simple: a pregnant woman should not clean the cat's toilet herself, feed the animal raw meat. If you follow elementary hygiene rules and do not forget to visit a veterinarian regularly, serious problems will never affect your family. Do not forget that any pet is alive. Prepare for the fact that, like any other bird, the parrot will make loud noises, a cat or dog can scratch or bite if it is treated poorly, and rodents do not smell particularly well if you stop cleaning in their cage.