Pets & Plants: A Way to Teach Responsibility to Kids

Pets are not playthings; they take a lot of responsibility and time. Parents may understand this, but for kids who have not had a companion before it can be hard to imagine and plan how much work goes into keeping a pet or a plant. From feeding, to training, to bathing, to vet visits, to cleaning up after them, it can become apparent the never ending list of chores that comes with such a responsibility.

The anticipation leading up to a pet's arrival can be exciting! Picking out their food bowls, deciding which toys to buy, and of course bringing them home can prompt many happy emotions. A new pet is cause for celebration! Although, it is an important reminder that having a pet is also about responsibility. Having a pet or plant helps a child develop important life skills such as: Responsibility, Compassion, Independence, Decision Making, and Time Management. It can be exceptionally helpful for the development of a child and their sense of self by having a new companion around the home. 

Responsibility is Accountability…  

Yes, some chores can be easily done. It can be fun to teach your dog to do a trick, feed flakes to your goldfish, or to brush your guinea pig, but not all tasks or chores with our animal companions are fun to do. A kid may be super excited to get a cute little kitten but do they want to or are expected to scoop the litter box? What about walking the dog everyday, even if it’s cold and drizzly? Making sure to water the plant every day? Chores and daily tasks for taking care of a pet or plant can be beneficial in growing kids’ responsibility for their actions and the realization of consequences. If your child chooses to do something or not there will be a consequence, good or bad. If they don’t clean the litter box the cat might pee in their room, if the child forgets to water the plant for a few days the plant may start to wither. They will not only be responsible for themselves but also accountable for their new friend’s behavior, care or even life. 

Time Management is Key… 

When caring for a living thing there are time tables that should be followed for the pet or plant to live their best and longest life; watering/feeding schedules, ritual cleaning, and restroom breaks are the first ones that come to mind. Your child will need to be considerate of how they spend their time with their companion. To learn a schedule and keep to it allows a child to develop their awareness of time and how to spend it responsibly while caring for another living thing. If they spend the extra time and treats their dog could be trained to play dead or their hamster can become more comfortable being picked up! But if they forget to change the filter in the fish tank it’s going to get gross and bad for their pet crab. 

Independence is All About Choice…  

Your child’s choice of caring for an animal or plant “all on their own” is a sign of independence that develops their sense of self and pride in decision making. They want to be responsible and make their own decisions; by choosing the paper bedding color for their hamster, which toys for the new cat, or even selecting which new companion to bring home on their own (with parental or guardian guidance). Once the child is at an understanding of their responsibility they can own it and be proud of it with their accountable independence. They can start to do chores on their own with permission as well such as: walking the dog, playing with the cat, training their goldfish. Choice is a way for a child to practice independence responsibly. 

Practicing Compassion… 

If your child is asking for a companion it can be assumed they have a desire for a friend and will be compassionate towards them. The practice of compassion is also a big part of pet responsibilities, will your child be upset if their dog ruins a favorite toy? Or have an accident in the living room? Will they be frustrated and angry at their cat for not doing what they are being told? Kids can grow their understanding of the world by how they interact with other living things. Watching their friend grow and be loved is a contributing factor of wanting a pet. For the child to be there for their best friend just as the animal companion is there for your child is a sign of growing compassion. 

Difficult Decision Making  

Each type of pet/plant will have different ‘difficulty’ levels of care. Depending on the age of the child, the selection of the pet or plant may be up to the parent entirely or up to negotiation. It is a long commitment to take in a turtle, does your child have the desire to keep a turtle well into their adulthood? Does your home have space for a rabbit hutch? Is your child able to clean out a fish tank (with or without guidance)? Who is in charge of what chore? Who will pay for pet supplies and vet visits? These are types of questions to be considered with the child when selecting a pet or plant to call their own. Before a pet is decided on, dividing chores into categories of responsibility and who is in charge of what can help your child and you determine if they are ready for a pet or plant and if taking care of one would help the child grow. 

It is important to do research and have open conversations with your child about the reality of keeping a pet or plant and the importance of its care as there are always opportunities for the growth of the child alongside their new friend. Life skills come into practice when a child engages in their learning wholeheartedly- a pet or plant is a great way to kick start that development early in life with a lifelong companion.