Having a pet teaches responsibility in a way that you may not realize. We have all heard people say, “You have to be responsibly to have a pet.” Although this is very true, having a pet takes on a new genre of responsibilities.
This post is written by Cypress King.
Animals have a way of teaching us things. That is, if we’re observant.
I believe being observant is the key to responsibility when it comes to having pets.
Our little furry friends can’t speak to us to let us know when they are hungry, thirsty, cold, lonely, or scared. In a way, they are like having a new baby.
When a mother has a new baby, she spends every waking moment observing her precious little one. She inspects even the littlest things. Of course, her compassion for that baby outweighs many of her own personal needs.
I am by no means equating having a pet to being a mother… there’s no real comparison. However, what I am saying is that the skills involved in observation lend themselves to being an excellent caregiver.
This is just one way that having pets teaches responsibility. It may be the main way…
Check off critical household, social, and hygiene skills for your child so they’re prepared (not petrified) of growing up!
What do observation skills have to do with caring for a pet?
Being observant is an active participation job. People who are truly observant never really “turn their brains off.” A good observer is truly blessed to be able to focus in on, catch details, and recall information.
These skills are necessary in order to take responsibility over a pet. These are just some basic things about pet care that observation skills help:
- watching for growth milestones
- seeing when to bathe
- potty training (and all the messes involved)
- clean up- because pets will inevitable make messes
- watching food and treat habits
- building obedience skills with the pet
When a child learns to observe (really observe) they are doing more than just the bare minimum responsibility. They are getting to know that pet in order to better care for it.
Having pets teaches responsibility because they have to know what’s going on with that pet in order to take are of it.
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Learn MorePets are more than just a responsibility.
When most families talk about getting a new pet, the topic of responsibility always comes us.
A new dog will mean lots of new responsibilities for you, especially when it’s little. You may have to make sacrifices in order to learn to care for it.
I’ve heard this several times- a mom agrees to get the pet for her kids. It’s lots of fun for the first new months until the kids get bored. Then… all of the responsibly lands on the mom who didn’t really want the pet in the first place.
Obviously, this is not ideal.
On the same note, it goes without saying that having pets isn’t for everyone.
Training the kids to be observant (and grow their observational skills) through learning a new pet could cause them to fall in love with that animal, not just like the idea of a new pet.
When a person loves to care for someone, it doesn’t feel like a dreaded responsibility anymore. That being said, I feel as though approaching pets from the beginning with inquiry and humbleness is key to their longevity of care.
It’s so very true- having pets teaches responsibility.
How do I know if my kid is ready for the responsibility of a new pet?
The short answer is – you’ll never know until you try.
Honestly, the only way is to dive in… test the waters. Just be sure that you’re starting with a pet that your child truly wants to observe.
I’ve heard parents say, “You can’t even remember to pick up your shoes… how will you remember to feed your dog.” I don’t really think there’s much logic in this. Most kids have to be reminded to pick up after themselves.
Here are the real questions that you should ask before taking on the responsibility of a pet:
- Does your child want to learn, grow, and enjoy caring for a living creature.
- Does their schedule allow plenty of time to observe, grow into, and foster a caring relationship to a pet?
- Is this financially and “space wise” a good choice for them?
Check off critical household, social, and hygiene skills for your child so they’re prepared (not petrified) of growing up!
Pets take lots and lots of time.
I do not recommend taking on the responsibility of a pet if your day is short on time.
Just don’t do it…
On the flip side, caring for a pet teaches lots of time management skills. These also have to do with observation because each pet is different.
Guess what else? Observing takes time- lots of time. Do you see a theme here?
If your child doesn’t have the time in their day to spend observing and caring of their pet, you are setting them up for irresponsibility. Ehhh… I know that’s hard to hear. It is the truth, however.
In just 15 minutes a night (while you’re in your pajamas!) take your home (and heart and mind) from stressed out to organized.
There are so many reasons why having a pet teaches responsibility. When a child learns to humbly and compassionately care for a living creature, that child will naturally grow in responsibility.
I’m hoping that if you’re considering adding a furry friend (or other type), that you will consider how much time and observation skills its going to take to popery care for it.
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