Pets are no less than family members. But, things are different when you have little ones along in the family. Making the two innocent, naive entities of the house adjust to each other could be a daunting task; so much so that at times, you may eventually have to take heart-breaking decisions like letting go of your beloved pet. But, this need not be the solution always. There is always a way to keep your loved ones together. All you need to do is follow some practices and be cautious.
Here are some of the tips that you can follow to maintain a fine balance:
1. Set the expectations right.
Talk to your child about the pet you are intending to bring; it’s age, behaviour, background, etc. Discussing this with your child helps them form their first impression and set basic expectations. This will also help your pet avoid feeling overwhelmed and keep your child from being hurt or disappointed by misinterpreting the behaviour of the pet.
2. Take it slow.
It is important that you give your pet some space; especially during its initial days in the family. Let the pet approach the child when it’s ready, instead of having it immediately approached by a child who is eager to pet, play with, or hold it. Your pet may otherwise interpret these friendly gestures as a threat and may run, scratch, or bite.
Help your child to observe and understand the body language of your pet. Let them know if any of their behaviours may appear disturbing or threat to the pet so that they refrain from doing so. Continue to keep a close watch on things until you are certain that your child and the pet are comfortable with each other.
3. Game away.
Teach your little ones some exciting games that they can play with the pet. You can buy some toys or learn some tricks. This will not only enhance their bond but also teach your child patience, teach your pet to obey instructions, and help both to do some exercise.
4. Share responsibilities.
Ask your child to help you in taking care of the pet. A child of nearly any age can help to feed or bathe a pet. A little older one can walk along when you take the pet for a stroll. The children who are older can be involved in training the pet or cleaning the litter. Letting your child participate in taking care of the pet can go a long way toward teaching responsibilities.
Therefore, when it comes to raising loved ones together, some discipline and lots of love will help create a happy space for all.