Buying Pets for Children
Before you give in to a child's plea for a puppy, hamster, rabbit, kitten, etc., give it some serious thought. Realize that no matter how sincerely the child promises that she will clean the cage, feed it, walk it, or tend to any of it's other needs, there is a 99.9999999999....% chance that as soon as the novelty wears off, she's not going to do any of it unless she's forced to.
Children don't mean to make those promises and then break them, but caring for pets is usually a lot harder than it looks. Even playing with the pet can become a chore.
Time and time again I hear people say that their rabbit, bird or hamster "turned vicious." Most often a pet "turns vicious" because it becomes neglected. Animals that live in cages need to be taken out often. This is especially true with rabbits. Rabbits are actually much more intelligent than most people think. They need stimulation every day. simply taking the rabbit out of its cage and holding it for a few minutes isn't enough. They need to run around and explore a little.
If you are considering getting a pet for your child, remember that the pet will more than likely become your responsibility in a very short amount of time. If you aren't interested in cleaning the hamster cage or taking out the bunny daily, then do yourself and the animal a favor and don't get it for your child.
Lisa McLellan
Comments
hugs,
All the best!
April Braswell
Online Dating Coach and Dating ExpertCouldn't agree more with all you've said.
My son's pet bunny has long ago became his MUM's & DAD's pet instead.
But "Dusty" is pretty cue & smart (in bunny terms). He rushes to grab his apple or pear treat as if there's no tomorrow, much keener than his Dandelions feast.
He turns his back to you and stay like that for a while once you refuse him into the house when it's still too early for him to be inside.
John Ho
Understanding Personalities for Better Influence & Persuasion
John Ho
Understanding Personalities for Better Influence & Persuasion
Caring and feeding one's animals come down to chores. Every child should have some and be forced to do them. When your child wants a pet they need to understand that a pet is a commitment that will take work. It isn't just fun & games that can be put away and forgotten when things get boring. The best things pets teach people is that living things take a lot of work. More children should learn this lesson.
Steve
Bold Call Guy