Including children in caring for a pet can be a positive experience. It teaches children valuable lessons. Abiding by the decision to take care of a pet teaches young children accountability. When they agree to share the responsibilities, they become liable for their pet's livelihood. The 2011–2012 National Pet Owners Survey reported that "as many as 58 percent of pet owners claimed that caring for their pets taught their children responsibility." There are many age-appropriate tasks that young children can help parents with such as feeding or putting a pet's toys away. Laura Kang, a parent, states, "Sometimes even my most responsible daughter makes mistakes, but I turn these moments into educational ones by coming up with a plan together for how to do better next time."
These caregiving tasks also teach children the importance of taking ownership for their actions. Tina Smith, a well-known family counselor, suggests that "showing how children's actions help pets should be celebrated when done right." Another parent, John Wiggin, agrees: "Consequences for not following through with duties should not be a punishment but instead be a teaching moment to help children understand the importance of their responsibility." Their tasks play a huge part in keeping their pet healthy and happy.
Some argue that owning a dog is too much work for a child, but the hard work involved is worth the time and effort in the long run. It builds self-confidence and self-esteem that last into their adulthood.
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