Goal Setting For Kids - Responsibility :))

One of the best ways for a child to learn responsibility is to let them care for a pet. By showing your children what it takes to be responsible for a living creature’s survival they are actually learning important social skills. A child who learns to care for a pet and treat it kindly and with patience will learn to treat people the same way.

Kids and Pets - Family Pets

Kids and Pets

Do you have a pet in your family? We have a dog and a mouse. And yesterday we seemed to have acquired a second dog! A stray whippet with a collar but no tag followed my husband home last night. He's a very timid creature, very like a fawn with huge brown eyes, delicate legs and a slightly nervous disposition. He does love cuddling on the couch though, where he snuggles up as if he's lived with us forever.

Of course we will report the dog found and if his owners are searching for him we hope to reunite them. In the meantime we are enjoying having an extra pet in the family!

A dog is a big responsibility, and if your child wants one of his very own to look after it's important that he knows what is involved. One way you might approach this dilemma is to visit a local animal sanctuary and offer to foster a dog for a period of a few weeks. If your child rises to the challenge and enjoys every aspect of looking after the visitor, then the arrangement could become permanent, or another dog could join your family for good! If on the other hand your child finds that he can't cope with all the extra chores that owning a dog entails, then you have all had a valuable experience and the sanctuary has had the benefit of a temporary foster home!

Article on kids and pets: The Family Pet

Pets and Children

We have all heard of the health benefits that come from having a pet for the elderly, including preventing heart disease, lowering high blood pressure and combating depression. Caring for a beloved pet can also prevent isolation and loneliness for elderly people. Children also get great benefits from owning a pet. Studies suggest that children who have pets have stronger immune systems and are less likely to miss school because of sickness. In this article you will find information on the benefits of owning a pet as well as tips on how to choose the appropriate pet for your child.

Click here to read the article about Pets and Children

A family pet is a great way to teach children responsibility and to bring a lot of joy into your family.

Our dog Eddie has brought so much joy to us that I would say to anyone considering a family pet that in spite of the extra work and trouble, it is well worth it.

Check out this article for more info one choosing a family pet

Happy parenting,

Cassie

Brilliant Solution to Child Sleep Problems

How about this charming story a KidsGoal's subscriber shared with us, regarding her solution to the "MOM! DAD! I can't sleep!" problem?

Shelly, aged 4, started insisting on her parents staying with her until she fell asleep after her big sister moved into a room of her own.

Soon growing tired of this routine, they came up with a rather unusual solution, in the form of a goldfish. A charming little aquarium was installed, and Nemo the Goldfish moved in onto Shelly's dresser. As an extra bonus, the fish tank had uplighters that helped Natalie feel reassured in the dark.

Not only did this ingenious idea solve the family's nighttime problems, but being responsible for Nemo taught Shelly lots of useful lessons, as pets do!

Check out article, The Family Pet, for more ideas.

Happy parenting :))

The family pet

Happy summer holidays! Here in the UK it really feels like summer at last - with the kids off school and the weather suddenly hot.

If you are doing your travelling early in the summer, or if you're not going away this year, the summer holidays are a great time to get a pet for your kids.

One of the best ways for a child to learn responsibility is to let them care for a pet. By showing your children what it takes to be responsible for a living creature’s survival they are actually learning important social skills. A child who learns to care for a pet and treat it kindly and with patience will learn to treat people the same way.

Check out The Family Pet for some ideas on choosing the right animal for your household.

Cyberhugs,

Cassie