Pets are very popular, and one can be found in most households. Dogs, cats, rabbits, mice and even hedgehogs. A suitable animal can be found for almost every family. But which animals are actually suitable for a family with children? And what should you take into account?
When deciding to welcome a pet into the family, there are many things to consider. One of them is your child / children. Not all pets are equally suitable for children and not all children will be equally careful with animals. You should also think carefully about what you can expect from your child.
What can I expect from my child
For the development of children, it is good to help with the care of pets. This ensures, among other things, a good sense of responsibility. What you can expect from a child depends very much on the age and also on the child itself. Before you purchase the animal, it is important that you consult with your child about this. For example, you can make a list of who does what and when. Even if your child is very young, it is advisable to involve your child in the care. If your child is older and has a part-time job, you can possibly also make agreements about who pays what. For example, you can agree that you pay for everything, but that the child must pay for any sweets and toys themselves. Keep in mind that your pet is together, so do things yourself as well.
Below is an indication of what to expect. Of course it also differs per child and you will have to keep a close eye on it yourself.
1-4 years
You cannot really expect anything from your child until the age of 4. However, it is advisable to involve the child in the care of the animal. For example, you can make it a regular ritual to feed the pet together after dinner. While cleaning the cage, your child can indicate things.
4-7 years
When your child is 4-6 years old, he / she understands a lot more. When you fill the food bowl, your child could put it in the cage himself. He / she can also help out while cleaning the cage.
7-10 years
From about 7 years old you can give your child a fixed task. In most cases, it is most convenient to start feeding. For example, you can agree that he / she will feed the animal on certain days, for example every other day or only on weekends. The other days you do this yourself. If this goes well, you can optionally extend this to every day. You can still clean the cage together.
10-16 years
From the age of 10 you can give your child a little more responsibility. For example, you can agree that he / she only cleans the cage from time to time. Don’t do this too often though, it is of course still your pet.
16+
If your child is 16 years or older and wants a pet yourself, you can basically let your child do everything himself. Pay close attention to whether this is done correctly. Only do this if it really is your child’s pet. When the pet is yours together, you will also have to take care of it together.
Which pet?
Below is a description of some of the most common pets whether they are suitable for children. However, you will still have to find out things about the animal yourself. Consider, for example, the amount of attention and care the animal requires. What the costs of the animal are, including the purchase, care and veterinary costs. How big the loft should be and what else you need. You should also pay attention to whether the animal lives solitary or should be kept with congeners.
Rabbits
Rabbits are often immediately thought of when it comes to children, this is actually unjustified. Contrary to popular belief, rabbits are absolutely not stuffed animals. Most rabbits don’t like to sit on your lap and be stroked, and they are also very vulnerable. If your child is a bit older it could be. Your child must then be aware that they are not stuffed animals. When you have the space outside they are a lot of fun to watch.
Guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are a bit more suitable, but also not real stuffed animals and quite vulnerable. In general, guinea pigs are a little more predictable when they are tame. This makes them a little more suitable to sit on your lap every now and then.
Hamsters
Although hamsters are very small, they can be very suitable as pets for older children in particular. Hamsters can be made very tame and enjoy being out of their cage. When a hamster is tame, it often climbs on its own hand when it is put in the cage. It is also great fun for children to make a ‘play paradise’ on the ground with, for example, toilet rolls and climbing equipment. Of course, care must be taken that it is safe. It must also be taken into account that they are nocturnal animals. They will certainly be awake from time to time, but mainly sleep. There are different types of hamsters, the Russian and Syrian (also called golden hamsters) are the most frightened.
Color mice
Mice are fun animals that can provide hours of viewing pleasure. Most mice will climb directly onto your hand when you put it in the cage. Because they can estimate height well, they will not quickly do unpredictable things (except for fear / pain), this makes them quite suitable for children despite being very small. Care must be taken that the children close the cage properly, they are masters of escape.
Rats
Tame rats are very nice pets and actually best suited for children. Rats are very tame and can be very affectionate, especially to males. The females are a bit more active and adventurous, which in turn provides hours of viewing pleasure. Because the rat is a bit bigger, it is not very vulnerable. They are good at estimating height and will therefore not react unpredictably (except through fear / pain). Rats are also masters of escape, so their cage must be closed tightly.