In an age of electronic everything; where interaction, preferences and desires are met by a push of a button, the experience of caring for a living, breathing creature has become more of a need. Experiencing first hand a connection to the natural world and all its lessons and wonders gifts a child with values and experiences that shape their view and prepare them to be more involved, caring and capable adults.Pets reach us in places lost to over scheduled lives, single parent households, and dual income necessities. They fill the void of a cyber society. They articulate unconditional love in a universal language we all understand.
Pets have limitless time to share, and few desires that don't involve the joy of just being together. For many reasons and in many ways simplicity has been lost. Pets connect kids and adults to a world of reality not made by people...a world of the unexpected, and some times unpredictable. It is a world not easily dismissed with the switch of a station with drama, comedy and story lines that don't wrap up in a 30-minute episode. Pets belong to the natural world...even the most pampered pooch is still a dog! They are a gentle reminder that we all have a role and contribution to make to something beyond ourselves.
Do children need pets? As long as children need to confide the secrets of their little hearts to a "great listener", yes, children need pets. As long as children need to experience the cycle of life that teaches them of the value of all life, how to age gracefully and how to cope with loss, yes, children need pets. As long as children need to develop a sense of understanding, compassion and responsibility that will better equip them to take their place in our world, yes, children need pets. As long as children need laughter, "AAAWWW" moments, and a sense of being able to make a difference...children need pets.
Caring for another living thing requires communication skills, observational skills and commitment. In my household we have cared for countless species of pets...cats, dogs, horses, sheep, fish, frogs, lizards and more. My daughters, now in their late teens, grew up surrounded by four legged (and feathered friends) who all had their own language. Each of these creatures had their special likes and dislikes, behaviors and needs. The girls learned very quickly that teasing the cat was not a nice thing to do...without a single word from me.They learned that little parakeets could be taught to speak...through patience and practice. They explained to the puppies why it was important to listen to the "grown ups" even if the "grown ups" were only five!
They shared heartbreaks and pre teen secrets with their devoted companions whose lips would remained forever sealed (except for the big sloppy kisses that turned secret tears to giggles). They learned that the animals in our care were our responsibility no matter what the calendar date, invitation or impulse...there was a covenant between them that came first.My children have learned the joy, drama and very rarely, the tragic conclusion to the miracle of birth. They have learned that the quality of life is more significant than the quantity. They have learned to let go of a beloved friend when that quality of life is no more, and they have learned that there is a season to all things.Perhaps most significantly my children learned that real consequences can come from bad decisions, consequences that can't always be fixed, but can often be avoided. Sharing our lives with pets has taught them that real life takes time...and you can't fast forward through the unpleasant parts. They learned to accept that there is a messy side with just about everything in life...everything isn't always pretty, perfect (or great smelling)...and that's just life!
Did my children need all of those life lessons? Will those experiences help them navigate through their young adult years? Absolutely!The value of raising children with pets is sometimes conspicuous and sometimes not. But it should never be underestimated or weighed against convenience. Do kids need pets in their lives, my experience says "yes".
