Thursday, April 26, 2018

Kids and Pets Day

   Today is National Kids and Pets Day. It is the perfect time to share a few facts, tips and thoughts on our two and four-legged babies. I believe that children should grow up around pets if possible. Ask most adults about their childhood and it will usually include loving memories of their first dog or cat.
Our granddaughter and Weather Lab Paisley have been best friends since the day Emery was born. 
Facts
• Studies show children get more satisfaction from their pets than their siblings.
• There is increasing evidence that household pets might have a major influence on child development as well as a positive impact on children’s social skills and emotional well-being.
• Children are more likely to confide in their pet than another family member. Pets keep secrets but allow the child to release their feelings.
 *According to a published report in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology
Bentley doing a meet and greet at the Mardi Gras Pet Parade.
Tips
• Teach your child to always ask BEFORE attempting to pet someone else’s dog or cat. Some animals do not like small humans.
• NEVER allow your child to hit, tease or climb on your dog or cat. It is never funny. It is also not the time to video. It is a teaching moment. The dog or cat is the one that will be punished when it reacts to defend itself.
• Your child learns by example. Treat your pet as a loving family member and they will mimic your behavior. Unfortunately, the same is true for mistreatment.
Our daughter with our German Shepherds Jake and Madison ♥ #BestDogsEver
Thoughts
• Pets and children are both a lot of work. Make sure that you have the time, energy, and money before adding a pet to your family. Children never get over having to “give away” their best friend.
• Let your child help with the feeding and grooming. It will increase their bond and help teach responsibility.
• When the time comes to say goodbye to a beloved pet, give your child time to grieve. In many cases, it is their first experience with death. It is important to listen and comfort them through the process. Explain what is happening at an age-appropriate level.
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16 comments :

  1. we agree with you... to grow up with a pet is a wonderful thing....

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  2. Mom never had a pet growing up and she sure wish that she did.

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  3. My mom always insisted on pets as a kid even though her mom didn't want any. Luckily her dad usually was good about having some kind of pet.

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  4. Such great advice for a life altering experience. Ever so grateful that I grew up with a slew of dogs and shared by love for them with my own children. Kids and dogs just go together hand in paw.

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  5. These outfits are so adorable! What great tips and advice about children and pets interacting. Very informative information. Thanks for the share.
    World of Animals

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  6. Oh my word....I am smiling so big right now. What a precious series of photos. Emery and Paisley OMDs!!! My very first pet was a, Duke, Boxer Bull what memories.
    Our daughter was raised with Toto the mighty mini Dachshund for 11 years then our first cat for 14 years. Since she has been an adult she has been loved by 4 cats.
    Love the photo of your daughter with her G.S bffs Jake was a big guy!!!
    Hugs madi and mom

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  7. Ghostwriter said she grew up having parakeets as pets. Dad's "big brother," was an Irish setter named Kelly.

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  8. Excellent tips. The mom grew up with all sorts of pets. Cats, dogs, hamsters, gerbils, birds, turtles, fish...

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  9. These are great tips and advice. My Dad didn't want any pets, but when two stray cats wandered into our yard, he let us keep them. I am so glad I got to at least have cats for my teenage years, and I've had one pretty much ever since!
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  10. Great tips and very sweet photos. I am glad my great niece is growing up with a dog and two cats, she is being taught to respect them.

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  11. Momma grew up wiff cats and dogs... always... and raised her girls da same way. Nuthin' like a pet as a furiend.

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  12. Ma has always had a doggie from almost the day she came into this world! Pets are the bestest, and Ma thinks doggies are tops! (unless they chase you up a tree and steal your pants....true story. Ma's WFT did that, while Gma was ROTFLAO inside the house....)
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥
    ( the nice terrier....☺)

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  13. This is a wonderful post. Emery is just so darn cute and all the pictures are precious
    hugs
    Hazel & Mabel

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  14. What a great post! I believe kids and pets definitely go beautifully together, but as you said you have to be able to care for both properly, and kids must be taught to respect pets. Pets are not playthings, they are living, breathing beings.
    Love & Biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

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    Replies
    1. Oh, I forgot to mention how much I LOVE these photos!! They're priceless.

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  15. Such great information and pictures!

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