They’ve been harping on about it for days, and your kids are really set on the idea of getting a pet. Whether it’s a dog, cat, guinea pig – anything – you have a big decision on your hands. What are you going to do next?
Will you give in and let them get a pet? Will you have to stand firm and deny them? How do you feel about the whole situation anyway, maybe you want a pet as well?! So many considerations, so let’s start making sense of them all.
Do you want a pet?
First thing’s first, do you want a pet in your home? This can be both an easy and difficult decision. If you physically can’t have one – due to rental restrictions or allergies – the decision makes itself. At least you have something to point to when telling your kids that it sadly isn’t possible. If you can technically have one, you have to weigh up whether or not this is something you’re interested in. Perhaps you’ve always wanted a pet and your children reminding you of this will spur you to get one? If you do want to bring a pet to your home, it’ll lead to further considerations, such as…
Can you afford a pet?
Where does a pet fit into things financially? You’ve already got children to look after, and we all know how expensive that can be! Can you afford to add a pet to the equation as well? Think about everything you need to pay for:
- Foot for the pet
- Injections that your pet needs
- Regular vet checkups
- Pet toys
- Accommodation for your pet if you go away
The list can go on and on, though some pets are cheaper to look after than others. Cats tend to be pretty affordable as you just need to buy them food, then ensure they’re regularly seen by a vet. You don’t need a whole host of accessories as you do with a dog! Try to add up an average of how much your pet will cost each month, then see if it’s possible or not.
Do your children really want a pet?
A strange question to ask when they’ve been pestering you about it, but we all know kids go through phases. Firstly, sit down with your kids and explain to them all the responsibilities that come with owning a pet. If they’re not prepared to follow through and help out, you shouldn’t get a pet for them. If they seem genuinely excited and keen to help, it might make you more eager to get one.
One of the oldest tricks in the book is to do the classic ignoring tactic. Parents do this all the time, ignoring your child’s requests to see what happens. You might discover that your kids forget about wanting a pet after a week or so, proving that it wasn’t something they were genuinely passionate about. Or, you could see your kids continuously asking you about pets, reminding you that they want one, and begging you for months on end. In the second scenario, it’s fair to say your children are pretty serious about wanting a pet.
What will you do if you can’t get a pet?
After considering all of the above, you’ll end up in one of two positions. On the one hand, you might realize that you can get a pet and it won’t be a problem. In which case, you become heroes in your kid’s eyes, getting them a pet and making their dreams come true. On the other hand, you realize that getting a pet isn’t possible, leaving you in a sticky situation.
The only thing to do is let your kids down gently and explain the news. You could also get them some pet-themed toys like cat LEGO’s or plushy dogs, and so on. It’s the closest thing they can get to a pet without you being able to have one. In some scenarios, you could explain that a pet isn’t possible now due to where you live and certain circumstances. But, if they behave themselves and show that they’re responsible, you could get one when the circumstances change. For example, when you move from a rental apartment to your own home!
All in all, you need to take your time before making a decision when your kids are desperate for a pet. Don’t make an instant reaction to this; consider all of the above before figuring out where you stand.
