The kid has long dreamed of having a pet, but do you doubt that the child will really take care of him? We suggest that you conduct a special test – and the secret will immediately become apparent.
He whines and whines, sadly looks after every shaggy animal on a leash … Sooner or later, any child is eager to have a pet. Most often, it is the dog that becomes the object of dreams, which can become not only a play partner, but also a real loyal companion. Such a request must be taken seriously. Perhaps these are not empty words, but a real need behind which loneliness, lack of parental love, or the desire to be needed by someone are hidden. Indeed, even in the most outwardly prosperous families, a child can be lonely. But how can you tell a whim from a real need? Natalia Barlozhetskaya, an independent child psychologist and TV presenter, told Woman’s Day about this.
The usual whim goes away pretty quickly. It is enough for parents to list the responsibilities that will need to be taken on in caring for the animal. Walking, training and feeding a dog are pleasant chores, but not every child is ready to clean up heaps and puddles after a puppy, vacuum the sofa and dog’s place from wool, wash bowls.
If the baby is stubborn in his desire and is ready for any sacrifice for the sake of the dog, offer him a small test.
There is such a questionnaire: “I can and do”. First, explain to your child that caring for a pet starts with doing the simplest things. For example, take care of yourself and your loved ones. And invite him to answer “yes” or “no” to the questions:
1. I can wash floors myself.
2. I wash the floors or help my parents do it every day.
3. I can vacuum myself.
4. I dust or help my parents do it every day.
5. I can wash dishes.
6. I wash the dishes or help my parents do it every day.
7. I get up on my own every morning.
8. I bathe on my own and perform all the necessary hygiene procedures without reminding my parents.
9. I walk outside in any weather.
10. I take care of my shoes myself. I wash it and wipe it with a dry cloth.
And now we evaluate the results.
Answer “Yes” to 9-10 questions: you are independent and know how to take care of others. You can be relied upon and entrusted with real responsibility.
Answer “Yes” to 7-8 questions: you are quite independent, but caring for others is not yet your strong point. A little effort and you will be successful.
Answer “Yes” to 6 or less questions: your level of independence is still insufficient. Patience and work will help you achieve what you want.
Also, to make sure your child is genuinely interested in having a dog, invite your child to learn more about what it means to become the owner of a four-legged friend. Books, magazines, articles on the Internet, training videos and communication with other dog breeders will be very helpful. There is even an educational project designed specifically for children – “1st” Af “class”. This is an online course in which children are told where the dogs came from, they are introduced to different breeds, they talk about the health of pets, nutrition, maintenance, discipline and training.
And the theory must be supplemented with practice. After all, a child may not fully understand how important and responsible it is to be a dog owner. It is important to give the child a try in practice. Washing floors, bowls and paws, vacuuming, getting up early in the morning, going for a walk in any weather is a real challenge for a child. If he does or is ready to do all this, it is no longer a matter of a whim, but of a real need.