Kids Only

Kids Only

On-line comparison - Shopping for pet food.

Pets are a BIG Responsibility: Okay, so you think its time to start a household discussion about getting a pet. Before you begin, you should think about several pet selection and pet care issues that are sure to become topics during the discussion.
So You Think You Want a Pet?: In most homes with school-age children, a parent is the likely one who has to care for the household pet. Think about this for a moment - the people who take care of you, feed you, drive you around everywhere and a million other parent-like things are about to be approached with the idea of getting another household member to care for!
It's not that parents don't enjoy the care they provide for their families, it's the idea that adding one more layer of responsibility to their perhaps already busy lives that leaves many folks apprehensive about getting a household pet or adding another pet to an existing pet household. So now that you know where some parents might be coming from on the "pet" issue - what can you do to show them that you are ready to share this household responsibility?
Start Out Small: If your parents are reluctant to adopt a dog that might weigh more than you do, start off with something smaller to show them you can handle the responsibility. A small fish tank or a small animal (hamster, gerbil, etc…) is a manageable way to start. As you demonstrate your ability to care for the pet you can expect a warmer reception to the idea of getting a larger or more interactive pet to join your household.
What Your Parents Will Want to Know: Who will feed the pet and when will it be fed?

Who will exercise the pet and when will it be done?

Who will take care of the pet while you or your family are not at home, especially for an extended period of time, such as a vacation?

Who will keep the pet and it's surrounding clean? (grooming, cleaning the cage, cleaning the tank, etc…)

Who will pay for food and pet care?

Who will provide obedience or training if it's needed?

Parent Concerns and Family Benefits

Parents worry about their children - it's just a natural instinct and there isn't much you can do to change it. The idea of introducing a pet to the household brings on a whole new set of worries. Parents are especially concerned about pets hurting their children.

Parents worry that a pet might bite someone. Learning how to correctly handle and approach a pet is very important to the safety of everyone in the family. You might want to visit the library and read a few books on pet care and pet handling.

Parents worry that you or someone else in the family might be allergic to a pet. If your parents are not allergic to pets, spending time with a friend or neighbors pet might help determine if you are allergic to a particular kind of pet. Allergic symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes or a rash among others. If you find that you or someone in your household is allergic to a particular type of pet it is best to find that out now, before you get a pet, rather than have to try to resolve the allergy and pet problem once the pet is part of your household.

Parents worry that the great job you're doing caring for a new pet will only last for a few weeks. After that, the parent will be the one who ends up with all the responsibility for the pet after you may have lost interest. Before your family agrees to get a pet, your parents may measure your persistence, over time, to assure your interest in getting a pet is more than just a short-lived wish. Agreeing to and being ready for long-term responsibility for a pet is a signal you may be ready.
Families and households receive wonderful benefits by adopting a pet. Pets provide companionship, love, friendship and warmth. Expressing the benefits of a family pet also helps you and your parents understand the importance of pets in our lives.

Pets are comforting to children and families.

Pets can help with a child's development, self-esteem, and social skills. Children with pets can learn nurturing skills, as well as improved empathy and a more caring attitude. Additionally, pets may help develop non-verbal communication skills.

Pets can have a beneficial effect on family harmony as more time is spent together talking about the pet and interacting with the pet.

Pets can also have a beneficial affect on human health, especially in reducing stress.
Parent Concerns and Family Benefits: Parents worry about their children - it's just a natural instinct and there isn't much you can do to change it. The idea of introducing a pet to the household brings on a whole new set of worries. Parents are especially concerned about pets hurting their children.

Parents worry that a pet might bite someone. Learning how to correctly handle and approach a pet is very important to the safety of everyone in the family. You might want to visit the library and read a few books on pet care and pet handling.

Parents worry that you or someone else in the family might be allergic to a pet. If your parents are not allergic to pets, spending time with a friend or neighbors pet might help determine if you are allergic to a particular kind of pet. Allergic symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes or a rash among others. If you find that you or someone in your household is allergic to a particular type of pet it is best to find that out now, before you get a pet, rather than have to try to resolve the allergy and pet problem once the pet is part of your household.

Parents worry that the great job you're doing caring for a new pet will only last for a few weeks. After that, the parent will be the one who ends up with all the responsibility for the pet after you may have lost interest. Before your family agrees to get a pet, your parents may measure your persistence, over time, to assure your interest in getting a pet is more than just a short-lived wish. Agreeing to and being ready for long-term responsibility for a pet is a signal you may be ready.
Families and households receive wonderful benefits by adopting a pet. Pets provide companionship, love, friendship and warmth. Expressing the benefits of a family pet also helps you and your parents understand the importance of pets in our lives.

Pets are comforting to children and families.

Pets can help with a child's development, self-esteem, and social skills. Children with pets can learn nurturing skills, as well as improved empathy and a more caring attitude. Additionally, pets may help develop non-verbal communication skills.

Pets can have a beneficial effect on family harmony as more time is spent together talking about the pet and interacting with the pet.

Pets can also have a beneficial affect on human health, especially in reducing stress.

July 30, 2010