Caring for a pet is endlessly rewarding, and it’s only natural to want to share that joy with your children. However, when introducing children to pet care, understanding their developmental stage is extremely important. Depending on their age, some children may not be able to handle all aspects of pet care. Here’s now to tell which tasks are best for children of various ages.
Children Under 6
The youngest members of your family may be eager to help, but there are things it’s not safe for them to do. Here’s how to involve them:
- Walking Together: Holding a leash may be beyond their ability, but they can certainly join you on walks. Establish a regular routine that your child can depend on and continue as they get older.
- Feeding & Cleaning: Though they’re not ready to handle full feeding responsibilities, they can help you pour pre-measured food into a bowl. If your pet is well-trained, your child can place the bowl on the ground in front of your pet too.
Kids Over 7 Through 12
As children grow, they become capable of more complex tasks. Here’s how to help them develop their pet care skills as they get older:
- Meals: Older children can begin managing mealtime duties, starting under your supervision. Teach them the importance of proper portions and cleanliness, and gradually build towards independence.
- Handling Waste: Though not a pleasant task, cleaning up after pets is essential. Encourage good habits by teaching them the correct ways to handle waste, whether that means cleaning a litter box or picking up dog waste in the yard.
Contact Your Veterinarian Today
If you’re not sure which tasks are okay for your kids to take on, your veterinarian is the perfect resource. They can help you choose which pet care responsibilities are appropriate for our child and adapt those tasks over time.