Most kids are constantly begging for a new pet, so when it comes time to finally introduce one into the family, it can be an incredibly exciting experience. Whether you’re bringing home a puppy, kitten or another small animal, it’s important to set yourself up for a smooth introduction to your children. By following these simple steps, you can create a safe and happy environment where your children can learn about caring for their pet while enjoying the many benefits that they bring.
Here are our top tips for introducing a new pet to your children.
Supervise interactions
When you first introduce your children to a new pet, it’s crucial to supervise all of their interactions. Animals can be unpredictable, so even if you think they seem loving and would never cause harm, it’s best to be vigilant. Children may accidentally provoke animals to feel fearful, or touch on triggers that you have yet to learn – especially if it’s a rescue animal.
While older children may have a better understanding of how to handle animals gently, younger children can often be unintentionally rough with their new pet. By supervising these interactions, you can help gently point them in the right direction and show them how to behave around their pet. It also means that you’ll be on hand to step in should the situation become dangerous or stressful for your pet.
Set boundaries
Just like us, pets need their own personal space and plenty of time to rest. Children may be incredibly excited and want to play with their new pet all the time, particularly when you first bring them home. While it’s nice that they want to spend time with their new furry friend, pets need time to adjust to their new environment, and typically need more rest than we do too.
As a result, it’s important to teach your children to respect their pet’s boundaries and not to disturb them when they’re eating, sleeping or hiding. It’s a good idea to teach children that when your pet retreats to their bed, they must leave them alone. This offers the animal a safe place to escape to if they feel overstimulated.
Teach them about body language
It’s also important to educate your children on the body language of animals, particularly their new pet. For example, if you’ve adopted a dog, teach your children that a wagging tail could indicate happiness, while flattened ears or growling can suggest fear and that the animal needs to be left alone.
By teaching your children about these signs, they’ll be better equipped to bond with their new pet without worrying about conflicts. To avoid provoking your new pet, encourage your children to always approach them calmly, and stroke them in a gentle way that wouldn’t cause any discomfort.
Dealing with conflicts
If a conflict does arise, it’s important to address it quickly and teach your children how they can handle it calmly. By explaining to your child how your pet would’ve felt in that scenario, they can better understand why they reacted the way that they did. This can help to prevent your children from becoming fearful around their new pet, and instead ensure that the conflict is resolved and they can go back to enjoying each other’s company.
Patience and understanding are key during the introduction process, with both your pet and your children. Animals naturally need time to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings, and children will need to be patient during this time. By following these guidelines, you can create a lifelong bond that is sure to bring happiness to the whole family.