askthetherapist
Is it Time to Adopt a Pet? Karen L. Kaye, MS, LMHC
Q:
Dear Karen Kaye, I would like to adopt a pet for my child. What are the factors I should consider to help make my decision? Sincerely, Marybeth
A:
Dear Marybeth, While pets require time and money, what they offer children and parents (in both single parent families and two parent homes) far exceeds what they cost. From the perspective of social consciousness, pets teach children both responsibility and care for a being that is otherwise helpless. This begins a child’s life with compassion and unselfishness as long as the proper rules of care are offered. Teaching children to care for their pet with kindness includes always walking a dog on a leash, frequently changing a cat’s litter box, and feeding a pet at a scheduled time each day. If you treat the pet with love and caring, it will be a best friend forever. Therefore, pets teach structure and how to love as well. Just be sure the child
has reached at least the age of seven before they directly care for a pet and that the child and pet are supervised. Younger children can and will harm pets if not properly instructed. For families that are very “civic-minded,” given the increase of available pets, more people are choosing to adopt more than one pet at a time. This gives your pet company if no one is home all day. Dogs are great for security purposes. Thieves are more afraid of dogs than alarm systems. Older children don’t mind staying by themselves when a pet lives with them at home. Pets reduce children’s fears and they feel less lonely around animals. The pet also replaces the need for siblings for “only” children. Many times cost is a factor in this decision, so before adopting, do your homework about how much
the pet will cost you. A pet needs to be a long-term investment. There are lower cost clinics and veterinarians; contact nonprofits like the Humane Society for referrals. If cost isn’t a factor, there are pet sitters, pet hotels and pet insurance, making it easier to own a pet. Given the right circumstances, a pet will fill your home with fun and entertainment and fill your heart with love. Sincerely, Karen L. Kaye Karen L. Kaye, MS, LMHC has been in private practice for more than 30 years in Broward County. She receives clients in person and over the phone. You can reach her at 954-3841217. See ad page 46.
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First time customers only. Not valid with other offers. With select technicians. Must mention coupon when seeing appointment. Exp. 7/1/16. MM#29811
natural awakenings
June 2016
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