How Keeping a Pet Teaches Children Values

Teaching children values such as respect, manners and hard work are elements that can last a lifetime and also help a child develop into a well rounded and successful adult. Keeping a pet in particular, allows parents to teach the importance of responsibility to their offspring. Introducing a dog or cat to the family is an aspect that everyone can enjoy proving learning morals and values can be fun as well as educational.

Small animals in particular make great starter pets. Rabbits and hamsters are not only easy to hold and pick up but are great with kids if introduced to them from an early age. Getting kids to take on the role of feeding or cleaning out the rabbit hutch or hamster cage is an ideal way to teach responsibility. Explaining to the child that the pet relies on the them to put in fresh bedding or water allows the child to understand that he or she is responsible for the pet's welfare and happiness. Paralleling the child's role to the pet as similar to that of a parent is a good way to encourage caring and nurturing behaviour between child and pet.

Larger pets such as dogs are an ideal way for parents to encourage good time keeping amongst youngsters. Older children, say from the age of 12 and up, can be encouraged to take the dog for a walk at a certain time everyday. While having a set occurrence in their day allows youngsters to develop their time keeping skills around this element of their day, it's also a great way for younger children to get used to a daily routine. If each morning involves going for a walk with a parent and the dog, the child can knows what to expect from that part of their day. Following a daily routine has been shown to help children relax and remain more focused later on in life.

Finally, owning a pet is another means to teach the value of organisation. Getting your child to take note of when pet supplies such as sawdust, kibble and treats are needed to be bought in shows your child is learning not only be responsible for the pet but also organising the upkeep of its welfare. Teaching a child organisation from a early age is important for a manageable and maintained adult life that will see your youngster meet deadlines on time, keep on top of their finances and arrange vital and important documents such as life insurance later on in life.

Harvey McEwan writes about the family and social issues.