Pet Ownership and ADHD Kids
Hyperactive Kids Learn Responsibility and Caring Through Pet Care
Can we keep it? The age-old pet question comes from kids of all ages.
Kids with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are no different. If the animal has not actually appeared, consider all the aspects of owning a pet. It is important to think of the responsibilities, costs, behaviors, and certainly the benefits.
Parents may be thinking that owning a pet means simply one more thing to juggle on the schedule. They may thing that is the last thing needed on the “to do” list. Having a pet, though, offers lots of perks for the family with an ADHD child, and there are many kinds of pets to choose from.
Pets Teach ADHD Kids About Schedules
Pets need schedules for feeding, walking, and bathing. Having a consistent, simple pet care schedule can teach the child with ADHD to plan ahead and be responsible. This can carry over to other household chores and homework responsibilities. Schedules in all areas of life are vital for the success of kids with ADHD.
Pets Offer Energy Outlet for Hyperactive Kids
Pets need someone to play with them. In some instances, depending on the yard and the animal, many dogs need to be walked. Sometimes, the extra energy in these tasks is just want the doctor ordered. Kids with ADHD can use up energy and take care of the dog. Settling in for homework or accepting bedtime is much easier after the extra energy is used up.
Pets Build Self Esteem in ADHD Kids
Pets offer unconditional love. Everyone needs a loyal friend. Pets are great listeners, and at the end of a challenging day everyone needs a best friend to confide in. Read more about the health benefits of having a pet.
Truly, pets are not for every child or every family. They are a responsibility, and they do cost money. Consider these tips from the Humane Society before making this decision for your family.
If you decide that something large (like a dog or cat) is not going to work, you may consider something smaller. Hamsters, for example, are entertaining, require minimal care, and do not have to be walked. The ultimate calming pet, of course, is a fish. . . It may be just what everyone needs to watch as they unwind from the day’s stress.
Because a pet is a living creature, it is not something that can easily be tried for a short time and then discarded. Whatever your thoughts, stop and think about the question - Mom, may we keep it? – before answering. If the answer is that indeed it is the right time for your family, then enjoy!
