Parenting With Pets, the Magic of Raising Children With Pets [Revised, Second Edition]. Margaret Hevel

by other family members. For a child to reap the most benefit from the companion-animal experience, there must be a relationship between the two. With this in mind, those animals that more naturally interact with and elicit a caring response from the child will be the most effective pets. Although some children may feel affection toward amphibians or reptiles, most humans naturally gravitate to those animals with the “cuddle factor.”

      With our guidance, children will learn that although different animals need to be handled in different ways, all pets, whether of fur, fin, or feather, must be treated with kindness and respect. Although a child may be sweet and loving, he or she will not know instinctively the proper way to handle the new non-human friend. As parents, an element of the undertaking we accept when we adopted a family pet is the responsibility of keeping both the pet and the child safe. This includes both physical and mental safety. Part of our purpose in adding a pet to our family is to involve our children in the joyous connection that animals can provide. This experience will not be enjoyable, however, if we don’t take the time to start the relationship between all family members on a positive note. Children, who learn to care for an animal with kindness and patience, learn invaluable lessons in how to treat people as well.

      Parents should serve as role models. A family pet gives parents a chance to demonstrate the proper care and feeding of an animal and, more important, the opportunity to show how to love and give praise. Witnessing and participating in this healthy relationship can help children with the development of nonverbal communication, compassion and empathy.

      There will be frustrating times with the addition of a pet. However, if a parent is willing to continue working to build a relationship, the advantages of having a pet far outweigh the irritating moments. Many times these upsets are marvelous teaching opportunities if we only take the time to look at the situation.