Page 74 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2023

Has your child been asking you
to adopt a family pet? Or a pet of
their own? Around birthdays and the holidays, you’re sure to see pets given as gifts by parents to their kids. But getting a pet shouldn’t be a complete surprise for your child – in fact, it’s best if they’re involved in the process of choosing their future pet.
If your child is showing interest in a pet, make sure that they’re serious about it. Don’t go out and get them a frog just because they like that show with the talking frogs. If they talk about wanting a specific pet for more than a few weeks, it’s time to take it seriously and look into if that pet is feasible for your family.
There are questions every parent thinking about getting a pet needs to ask. Can your family financially handle a pet? Are you prepared to purchase
a habitat, toys, beds, and pay vet bills? What about your living situation? Do you live somewhere that you can have a pet? Do you have a yard where a big dog could run around, or do you live in an apartment with only enough room
for a fish tank? Do you have the time to take care of a pet? Is there a vet near you that takes care of your chosen pet? Does your child want a pet that it can play and cuddle with, or something pretty and unique to observe? Even
if you believe your child is old and responsible enough for a pet, are you, the parent, ready and willing to take care of the animal alongside your child?
Once you have figured out the perfect pet for your needs, it can bring many added benefits to your family. Your children will learn about responsibility when taking care of the animal and how to respect the animal’s boundaries so that it does not get mad at them.
Pets also provide unconditional love to your child and will often become a close friend and confidante. Studies have shown that owning a pet can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
If, in the end, you decide that a pet is not feasible for your family right now, you can always look into volunteering, fostering, and visiting friends and family with pets.
story by Victoria Snyder
74 | April 2023
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