pets

What Makes Childhood Magical? Part 14: Pets

2014/05/19 admin Leave a comment

The Magic of Pets

Having a pet is the dream and wish of many kids. Pets can be common or unusual, inside or outside. Sometimes as adults, we may put pets in a list of importance, starting with dogs or cats, then maybe hamsters, gold fish, and on down to frogs, caterpillars, and bugs. But kids have their own ideas about what to have for pets. A family in our neighborhood has a pet stick bug that lives in an old aquarium. It’s name is Branchy. In a way, choosing a pet is practice for being able to choose friends. Together, kids and pets play.

As kids develop a bond with their pets, they also learn to be gentle and caring. Having a pet comes with responsibilities like cleaning, feeding, and exercising. Children also learn to think not just of what they themselves want but the wants and needs of their pets. Does the kitty like to chase a stick? No, it likes to chase a piece of string. Does the dog like to watch tv? No, it likes to go for a walk, (and eat icecream).

The presidents of major unions should have the negotiating skills of kids as they try and talk parents into getting a pet. But there are lots of reasons why some pets are not possible, such as allergies, being in a place that doesn’t allow them, expense, and being away from home all day.

Pets, in all shapes, colors, sizes, and kinds, become part of children’s family. Not only do kids become attached to their pets, but they learn about responsibility, and controlling their impulses and actions so they do not hurt their pets. This is the beginning of empathy for others. There’s some basic science too, about what pets eat, how they move, creating mini-environments, and more. Even though animals do not communicate in words, they encourage children’s language as kids talk to their pets, explain what their pets are doing, and tell others about them.

Are pets so magical for kids because they both have such a deep capacity for love, as well as for play? Does your child have a pet?

Reading and Writing

Children and Pets

2013/04/13 admin 1 Comment

Kindergarten readiness not only comes in different shapes and sizes but in various creatures too. Having a pet is the dream and wish of kids. As kids develop a bond with their pets, they also learn to be gentle and caring. Having a pet comes with responsibilities like cleaning, feeding, and exercising. Children also learn to think not just of what they want but the wants and needs from the pet’s point of view. Does the kitty like to chase a stick? No, it likes to chase a piece of string. Does the dog like to watch tv? No, it likes to go for a walk, (and eat icecream).

Union presidents should have the negotiating skills of kids as they try and talk parents into getting a pet. But there’s lots of reasons why some pets are not possible, such as allergies, being in a place that doesn’t allow them, expense, and being away from home all day. Is having a pet a topic for discussion in your house?

In two fun little ebooks called Grandma, Can I Have A Pet? and Grandpa, Can I Have A Pet? written and illustrated by Paulie Merioux, a little boy suggests all kinds of pets. The text rhymes and there are some creative ideas for different sorts of pets, including a horse, cow, whale, and iguana. Grandpa, Can I Have A Pet is available for a free download April 13th on Amazon! (click here).It’s a fun little book to read aloud with kids.

A family in our neighborhood has a pet stick bug that lives in an old aquarium. It’s name is Branchy. Maybe one of the pets in the story will work for your house?

Kindergarten Readiness

Pets Help Kids Learn About Friends

2013/02/05 admin Leave a comment

Valentine kindergarten readiness fun and learning posts usually include ideas for making cards, imaginative play like sending mail, activities for art, counting, science, suggestions for books and songs, and more. But today’s post has been inspired by a little girl called Lizzi who is just 3 years old and a very special friend, called Rocket. Her mother wrote today about a conversation that happened at their house. “I miss Rocket” (our family dog that died 5 months ago) Lizzi said this morning. “What do you miss about him?” I replied. With tears in her eyes, she said, “I miss petting him!” Her mom shared that her eyes welled up with tears, too.

Pets, in all shapes, colors, sizes, and kinds, become part of children’s family. Not only do children become attached to their pets, but they learn about caring, responsibility, and controlling their own impulses and actions so they do not hurt their pets. They begin to think about how their pet might feel and develop the skill of empathy. There’s lots of basic science too, about what particular animals eat, how they move, creating mini-environments and more. Even though animals do not communicate in words, they encourage children’s use of language as kids talk to their pets, explain what their pets are doing and tell others about them.

Pets can be common or unusual. Another friend’s family had to find pet-sitters for a stick-bug when they went on holidays because the kids were so concerned about “Branchy”. Sometimes as adults, we may put pets in a list of importance, starting with dogs or cats, then maybe hamsters, gold fish, and on down to frogs, caterpillars and bugs. But kids make their own choices. In a way, choosing a pet is practice for being able to choose friends. Together, kids and pets play.

Are pets so important for kids because they both have such a deep capacity for love–and play? Rocket left a lasting impression on Lizzi’s heart, and Lizzi’s words have left us with a lasting message about kids and learning. Does your child have a pet to learn about and play with?