Know if your child is ready before getting a pet

Deciding to get a pet for your child can be a tough call. However, pets can definitely teach youngsters a thing or two about love and sharing, finds DNA.

Pets are the best companions for children
I would advise the parents of a single child to definitely get a pet. Pets are the best companions for children. They make them feel secure and completely melt away the feeling of loneliness. In a family with two or three children, they learn the art of sharing when they have a pet at home. They also learn to take care and protect another being. This helps in psychological development and overall personality building.

The best part of having a pet is the child never feels lonesome. Even if animals cannot talk, they respond through gestures. A pet is good for a family as a whole. However, people who suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems are advised not to keep pets. In that case, getting a fish tank is an option. Fishes also make for good pets.

I have come across couples who complain that they got a pet on the persuasion of their children who started neglecting them after a while. Sometimes, children are extremely excited about getting a pet but then grow out of the fascination. This leads to unnecessary frustration at home. Keeping a pet is a responsibility, so it’s only if everyone in the family agrees to chip in that you should go ahead and get one.
Seema Darode, clinical & school psychologist

Fishes are fantastic pets once children are little older
It is a brilliant idea to have a pet at home. It is most beneficial for single children or kids who are shy. You can start by keeping a fish tank. Fishes are fantastic pets once children are four or five years old. Later on, you can opt for pets like dogs and cats.

The interaction with animals helps children learn many new things. Firstly, they get comfortable with touching and cuddling pets; moreover, they learn many biological functions. Their inhibitions and shyness can reduce to a great extent. Children also become more active since they have someone to play with all the time.

Children learn how to look after someone without being self-centred. It also makes them socially and individually aware. Though pets cannot express like people, their gestures convey so much more. Thus, automatically, children learn to think more humanely about others. They are able to build and develop relations in a better way.
Dr Bhooshan Shukla, child & adolescent psychiatrist, Trimiti Clinic

You become understanding, caring because of pets
It’s been two-and-a-half years that I have a pet. My younger brother and I always wanted one, but my mother kept postponing it till she felt we were responsible enough to take care of a pet. Looking after a pet is a task, especially a complex one like a dog.

In the initial stage, you have to train dogs in how to live in a confined area while ensuring that they develop social manners. You also have to keep them active or else they become lazy and behave lethargically in all situations. While teaching your pet all this, you also start becoming socially aware.

The best part about having a pet is the love and care it brings. Whenever I come home, Tyke sits beside me wagging his tail to welcome me. It’s such a beautiful feeling to know someone is so happy to see you.

You learn to be understanding, loving and caring because of pets. They cannot speak but understand a lot. You can share your feelings with them like you do with any friend.

Having a pet is like having a sibling. However, you need to be careful when you get a pet for a child. The child should be old enough to understand what a pet is, how it should be cared for and so on.
Tanushree Mahajan, pet owner

My pet dogs, fishes are a real blessing for us
I have two dogs and a fish tank at home for my child who is 5 years old. I had heard that getting a pet for a single child is good. I wanted to get fishes not just for my child, but also others in the family because they have a calming effect on the mind. I also got dogs that have been a real blessing. They are not only great companions for my son, but are also very protective about him.
Once a snake had entered our compound and the dogs saved my son from getting bitten by it. Thus, pets are extremely loyal and devoted to the owner. My child plays with them and shares everything.

I am extremely happy seeing my son learn so much from our pets. He is different from other five year olds that I have seen. There are small changes in his behaviour, like he will not eat until he distributes what he has and ensures everyone gets it. Usually, children are very possessive about their toys and chocolates. But my son is not like that. He shares everything with the dogs and involves everyone in his activities. Getting these pets was the best decision I made and I know it is going to benefit us
immensely.
Rahul Shewale, pet owner

Cats have been a constant part of my growing years
I adore cats and we had five earlier. Since the last five years, my cat Lily has been a companion for the whole family. I was in standard XII when my cat came home. Before that I had two tomcats called Steve and Mark. I have always loved cats more than dogs. In fact, they have been my friends since my childhood. My sister also loves cats. They are naturally clever and do not need any kind of training.

We have not trained Lily in any way, but she knows every nook and corner of our home and colony. Whenever we get home, she welcomes us with joy. She reacts in this manner only with a few family members and does not bother when there are guests. It is amazing the way she uses tricks to get attention. She perseveres till she gets what she wants. Pets make you feel special; the love they shower on you is overwhelming at times.
Hrishikesh Joshi, pet owner

Pets are family members who seek love & attention
I still remember the day we (my dad, younger brother and myself) made a pact to get a puppy home. It was just the three of us because my mom was totally against the proposition. However, when we finally got an innocent black and brown furred German Shepherd puppy, she had very little to complain as he was completely adorable. We named him Judo after noticing his fondness for extending his paws in a fighting stance. We had him for a good 11 years through our school as well as college years — a completely memorable time.

A pet dog is like a family member wanting his share of attention and care. We as kids use to play with him all day considering his insatiable energy. However, along with play also came in the responsibilities — like feeding him, toilet training, regular wash as well as manners at home. 

Pets also serve as a great stress-buster. I remember Judo used to bark endlessly whenever we brothers had a fight, urging us to end it and make amends immediately. Pets have one quality that really differentiates them from us humans — that’s their unconditional love. When my dad passed away, Judo did not eat for almost 10 days. He was as much in mourning as all of us. My only advice to all parents wishing to bring in a puppy is to adore and respect it as much as your children.
Indrajit Shirke, pet owner