Source: Coloradoan.com

We’ve had a few small pets in our home over the years, all dearly loved by our children, but we haven’t quite committed to having a dog yet.

We came really close a while ago, but then backed off after taking a hard look at our kids’ activities and school commitments. The idea of having dogs in our house that don’t get their share of attention is out of the question. To me, all dogs should have plenty of walks, lots of ball throwing and fetching and room to run. Kids and dogs go together naturally, but there are few things sadder than animals left alone in the backyard because their little best friend has soccer practice or band practice or any other activity that take up kids’ time these days.

Still, whether it’s a full-grown Labrador, a cat or a goldfish, all pets can teach kids important lessons about caring for another creature and the discipline and commitment they demand. Sometimes, they teach lessons about life and death, too.

Many child experts say that how a youngster learns to care for pets could be an indicator for future behavior. For example, children who are allowed to be cruel to pets and other critters may not grow to understand the inappropriate nature of their actions and then mirror that cruel behavior with humans. It’s a dangerous cycle.

According to parents.com, parents are key to making sure the pet experience is safe and enjoyable for both the children and the animals. While that puppy may look cute, it’s probably more important to look first at our own children, their lifestyles, our homes etc., to make sure just what kind of pet is appropriate. Moms and dads don’t have to be animal experts, but they do have to use their parenting expertise with their own kids to match children with animals.

Pairing a young child with a dog or a cat that needs more attention than they know how to provide is a recipe for disaster. And putting puppies and youngsters together may sound like a bright idea until Mom or Dad realizes both are needy and demand much attention. Neither should be shortchanged.

It’s worth a good conversation about expectations, too, when it comes to who is going to care for the pet and the reasons behind why kids want a dog or a cat or other animal. Cuteness is just not a good enough reason.

And above all, it’s important for parents to demonstrate how to compassionately care for a pet in front of their children. Mom or dad can remind kids to put themselves in the shoes — or paws — of their pet to consider how they may be feeling. Would they feel lonely if left outside without opportunity to go for a walk? Do they get hungry if not fed on time? How do they feel if they are thirsty and can’t get a drink?

Pets often become an important part of the family; they should be treated as such.