ML Interest Tag: obedience

Signs Your Kid Is Ready for a Pet (According to Experts)

by Beth Shea
Partner Content

Thinking of adopting a family pet? We’ve interviewed several experts on whether your kid is ready and up to the task of getting a dog or other animal companion. To help you make the best decision, learn what a veterinarian and several adoption managers of animal shelters advise on the important topic. According to experts, your kid is ready for a pet if they meet the following criteria—read on for the details.

They Are Responsible in Other Areas of Life

Father and veterinarian John Ashbaugh, DVM of Midland Animal Clinic says a telltale sign your child is ready to take on caring for a pet is if they are responsible in other ways. They take good care of themselves and other family members, get their homework assignments done on time, keep their room and the house clean, etc. Ashbaugh recommends also making sure your kids are good with other people's animals. He says, "Have your kids take on housesitting and/or dog walking jobs or volunteer at horse stables, and observe how well your child interacts with and cares for animals." Caroline Vaught, co-founder of Cat & Craft, says to make sure your child is willing to commit to caring for an adopted pet for the duration of its life. Which in the case of cats being properly cared for could be as many as 15-18 years.

Science says: According to the American Pet Product Association’s National Pet Owners Survey, 58% of pet owners say their pets help teach their kids to be responsible.

They Are Comfortable & Respectful Around Animals

Lauren McDevitt, co-founder of Good Dog says it's important to know if your child is comfortable around dogs. She advises, "Ask a friend if their dog is good-natured with children so you have the chance to socialize with a dog as a family. It’s key to remember that kids, even if they’re older, should always be supervised." She also tells parents to make sure their child is kind and respectful toward animals. Elizabeth Albertson, Education Assistant Manager of Instruction at Helen Woodward Animal Center furthers this point by telling parents to ensure that their child is able to give a pet the space it needs. She explains, "Animals, like people, can become easily overwhelmed or stressed. A child should be able to recognize when a pet needs to be left alone and when the animal is ready for love and attention."

Science says: a good cuddle with a pet may lower your stress levels and boost your oxytocin levels––(the feel-good bonding hormone)! 

 

They Show Consistent Interest in Getting a Pet

John Ashbaugh, DVM urges families to research the desired pet with their child so they understand the commitment involved and the permanency of owning a pet. He offers, "Consider starting with a simple pet like a fish, guinea pig or hamster." Adoptions Services Manager at Helen Woodward Animal Center, Dora Dahlke says to ask the question, "Is this a fad—or a real desire for a pet? If your child’s requests bounce around from wanting a horse one day to wanting a dog the next, it may be a sign that they are more interested in the idea of a pet than in actually having one. To determine whether or not your child’s interest in a pet is a fad or a real desire, listen to him/her over several weeks or months. How they discuss the topic over the long term will help you decide if this desire is genuine or not."

Science says: The bond a child creates with a pet can be positively life-changing. Kids can share their secrets and their childhood memories with an animal while developing a sense of responsibility, empathy and compassion for all beings.

They Are Good at Doing Their Chores

Elizabeth Albertson and Dora Dahlke of Helen Woodward Animal Center tell parents to gauge whether their kids are able to share in the daily care of the new pet. All pets need clean living space, continuous access to fresh and clean water, food, exercise and enrichment. They advise parents to watch how kids handle age-appropriate household chores. If they can remember their daily chores without nagging, they might be ready to add a pet-related chore. Keep your expectations realistic based on your kid's age. The following chores may apply to the following ages:

Ages 4-8: Brush the dog or cat regularly while supervised.

Ages 9-12: Refresh water and food daily. Scoop litter box.

Ages 13-17: Walk the dog. Pick up droppings from the yard. Attend obedience classes with the dog.

Science says: Dog ownership may boost heart health by offering motivation for physical activity because dogs need daily walking. Make walking the dog an activity the whole family can participate in for bonding and increased health.

––Beth Shea

RELATED STORIES:

Here’s the Science Behind Why Kids Totally Need a Pet

The Best Pets for Kids If You Don’t Want a Dog or Cat

So Your Kids Want to Get a Pet Fish, Here’s What You Need to Know

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Books for Kids to Help Celebrate Dad on Father’s Day

By Keira Pride

Photo: istock

With Father’s Day just around the corner and the days getting longer, reading to our children at bedtime is one of the best ways to wind down after a busy summer day. The time a parent spends reading with his child is one of the most consistent links to that child achieving positive literacy scores throughout his or her schooling. It’s a period that not only helps children academically but strengthens the bond you have with them and creates memories to last a lifetime. Children will always remember bedtime stories and the lessons that these stories bring.

These books are perfect to foster the bond between dads and children on Father’s Day.

Preschool and Kindergarten

My Cat Looks Like My Dad Written and Illustrated by Thao Lam: Bright paper-collage illustrations create comparisons in which the narrator talks about their family—especially the striking similarities between Dad and the cat. Both have orange hair, love milk, start their days with stretches, appreciate a good nap, and are brave (some of the time). A surprising twist at the end reveals the narrator’s unexpected identity, also hinted at with clues in the art throughout the book. Warmth and whimsy in the illustrations add a playful balance to the story’s deeper message about the love that makes a family a unit, no matter how unusual it may look from the outside.

Hike by Pete Oswald: This beautifully illustrated picture book highlights the joy that can be found in spending time with family and nature. A father wakes his son one morning and they pack up and head out of the city for the day. As they make their way up the trail, they stop to enjoy the beauty around them including the wildlife and the snow. The father helps his son cross a log bridge and admire a waterfall. Ultimately, at the end of the trail, they plant a tree seedling before making their way back down. Words aren’t needed in this homage to the power of taking time to enjoy the natural world. On top of that is the importance of the father/son bond exhibited as the father and son spend the day together, helping each other as needed.

You and Me, Me and You by Miguel Tanco: A father and son walk together, discuss life among a busy city, play, and spend time with each other in this book that honors the special bond between a father and his son. The story illustrates how dads can be present and are always there for their sons. It not only makes a great Father’s Day present, but it can be read over and over again.

First and Second Grade

Dad and the Dinosaur by Gennifer Choldenko, Illustrated by Dan Santat: A boy keeps a toy dinosaur in his pocket to help him be brave like his dad, but when the dinosaur goes missing, dad knows just what to do. This story warms hearts and teaches kids how to be brave and face their fears. Choldenko reminds us all of the awesomeness of dads to come through, and Santat brings both the fear and bravery that this book underlines to life.

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, Illustrated by Vashti Harrison: A little girl has her daddy help her find the perfect hairstyle that will show off her beautiful, natural self. It’s a special occasion, so she wants to look her best. Tender and empowering, this book is an ode to loving your natural hair—and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.

Third and Fourth Grade

Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary, Illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers: Romona’s father has just lost his job and things are tense in the Quimby house. Romona decides to help as much as she can, even by reducing her Christmas wish list. But the bills are piling up, and Romona wonders if life will ever go back to normal. An excellent choice to share during homeschooling.

Dog Diaries Book: A Middle School Story by James Patterson, Illustrated by Richard Watson: A story told from the perspective of Junior the dog, this book tells the story of how Junior was adopted from the pound and came to meet his new pet human, Rafe. Rafe and Junior are immediately best friends, and the two of them find themselves in a big predicament after a little, teensy mishap at the dog park. It is up to the two of them to prove they aren’t the mess everyone thinks they are by winning the local dog show. The only problem is…they have both miserably failed their obedience school class. A fun read for both dads and kids, this book is full of humor and illustrations. 

Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California. 

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To The Ones that Tell Me My Children Will Grow Up Too Fast

By Angela Glenn

You see me get my three kids settled at the table for our rare lunch out together or you’ll see me in the checkout line at the grocery store with my three children sometimes in states of obedience or in states of defiance. But more times than not no matter where I see you or even how well or not well behaved my children are the thing I always see is the faraway look in your eyes. I see the way you look at my children as a life that passed you by way too quickly. You’ll stop me with that wistful look in your eye and no matter if it’s a moment the children are being little angels or little monsters you’ll tell me how this time will go by way too fast and to enjoy it because they’ll be grown and gone before I know it.  Even though I’ve heard it more times than I count I want you to know I still appreciate the wisdom because before I know it I will be you.

Here’s what I want you to know. When I’m at my wits end with the crying and the fighting I hear your reminder that before too long all the noise will cease and silence will be in its place. So I will take a deep breath, pick up the baby and hold him until the tears are no more. I will break up the fight between two little girls and remind them they are each other’s first and longest friend.

Here’s what I want you to know. When I’m fighting with my child at the dinner table to eat one more bite I hear your reminder that before too long we’ll be sitting at that table all alone with no more childish chatter and giggles so I’ll keep the peace at the table so we can enjoy these nightly family dinners that will pass far too quickly.

Here’s what I want you to know. When I’m up again each night because the baby is crying, a little girl is climbing in our bed, or I get a kick to the head from a little girl in our bed I remember your reminder that too soon we’ll be sleeping in this bed alone and the house will echo in that silence we once longed for. There won’t be any cries for momma or daddy to hold them until they fall asleep.

Here’s what I want you to know. When I start feeling overwhelmed from running to practices, games, Girls Scouts meetings, and school event nights I’ll hear your reminder that one day I won’t have much to do with my day. I’ll trade in all those moments of wishing I had more time for myself to wishing I wasn’t by myself so much of the time.

Here’s what I want you to know. I know this time is going to go by in a blink. I already mourn the time lost and gasp at the dwindling time that is left with each passing day, each passing month, each passing year. So I do my best to stop and just chat with them a little longer about the adventures taking place in their imaginative creative worlds they create. I do my best to get outside and play like a child with them. I do my best not to rush off to tackle the next thing on my to do list and sit and cuddle them a little longer. I do my best to capture as many of the moments that melt my heart on film for them and me to remember these beautiful and funny moments of their childhood. All too soon I know the house will be quiet, our schedule won’t be so full with three kids’ activities and interests, I do my best to be present right here, right now with them because I know one day too soon my children will be grown up too and I will be you wistfully looking at the young mother in the store or the restaurant with her hands full but in the moment of her life that I’ll wish I can just go back to for another day.

I am a teacher, wife, and mom to two daughters and a newborn son, as well as a pet mom to a dog and a cat.

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