This post has been sponsored by Apparent Insurance. All opinions are 100% our own.
Our pets quickly becomes special members of our families. While they may have been adopted before kids come along, they create special bonds with children. But if you’ve waited for your kids to become old enough before you adopt a pet, here are some things to consider:
- What animal will be the best fit for your family?
Think about the daily routine of your family. Is your schedule erratic with various wake-up times, or do you have a standard schedule each day? If your family is away from home most of the day, a pet that requires less maintenance may be the best option. Does your family spend time close to home? A dog, cat or even rabbit may be a great fit!
- Will your child share the responsibility of the pet?
Who will be the primary caretaker of the pet? While your child may not be able to feed your pet every day, caring for a pet at a young age can help teach your child responsibility. They can help with feeding the pet, cleaning out cages, or even taking the dog for a walk.
- Has your child interacted with other pets?
If you know other families with the kind of pet you are looking for, allow your child to spend time with it and watch how she reacts. Does she seem timid or scared? Does he show care and gently pet the animal? How does the pet react to him? If your child seems comfortable with the pet, you may be ready to take the next step!
- Are your kids able to follow directions?
Can your kids follow multi-step directions (mostly) correctly? If they are able to follow through with their assigned tasks, they may have the maturity required to help care of a new family pet. If your child is easily distracted and isn’t able to make it past step one, they may not be ready to bring home a new friend quite yet.
- Is your family really committed to the idea?
When you talk about bringing a pet into your home, pay attention to how your child talks about the upcoming change. If they express genuine interest and continue to talk about bringing a pet home, your child may be ready. Remember to talk about the responsibility and chores that come with caring for a pet. If your child seems to forget your conversations or begins to lose interest in the idea, your kiddo may not be ready for a new pet to come into your home.
Selecting a pet is a big commitment for any family, but the process can be an enjoyable experience! You’ll be bringing in a new member of your family and your child will be excited to be a part of the process.
Once you’ve made the choice to adopt a pet, make sure your home and car are comfortable and safe for him. Apparent Insurance now offers injury coverage for your family’s furry friends to make sure they are cared for after an accident. Have you made the change to Apparent? Did you know your family already has coverage for your pets at no extra cost? You already take your dog everywhere. Now you can have more assurance than ever when your whole family is travelling on the road.
Apparent Insurance, a company designed by parents, really has thought of everything. When you are ready to bring home your new family member, Apparent makes sure all members of the family are protected!