3 Reasons to Have a Pet in a Home With a Teen
Wednesday June 4, 2008
Our family didn’t have a pet for a long while. We lost our beloved dog and then moved 5 states away. Our priorities weren’t getting a new puppy. But now that we have one, a yellow lab named Baloo, I realize we were really missing having a pet to love. So, if your home needs a pet, here are three great reasons to get one:
- Teaches teens responsibility. This is pretty obvious. You’ll need to enlist their help right away to establish a routine. If the pet belongs to the whole family, give each child a daily job so everyone shares the responsibility.
- A pet loves unconditionally and will lift your teen’s spirits. They don’t care what your teen is talking about, they will be there to listen.
- They're someone to love you when your teen is being moody. Seriously, as a parent I get tired of being the bane of my teen’s existence. Petting the puppy helps my stress levels when the eye rolls begin.
More: 4 Reasons Your Teen Needs a Hobby
Tell us about your family pet in the comments area.
Thanks!
great post! teens should participate in the responsibilities of a home because it will teach them to learn discipline, responsibility, and respect for work.
The stress level of my husband dropped dramatically after we got a dog. My son summed it up when he said “we are such a much happier family now”. My only advice if you are considering getting a dog, make sure it is a friendly breed and doesn’t tend to attach to one person like some small dogs do.
My husband and my 14 year old son decided to take up tennis. (that only lasted one day) but on the one day they went out to give it a try, they came home with a kitten. My husband set it on my lap and a smile came to my face as he explained to me that Josh wanted this kitten as a pet.
I went to my sons room to explain to him how to care for the Kitten and give it a name. As I entered his room, I almost went into shock! It was so very clean! I had tried to get him to clean his room but no matter what i tried, it was always a mess.
“what made you clean up your room Josh?” (and he did a great Job) I mean his room was and still is supper clean. He looked at me and said. “The cat mom.” Then… another shock! he would rather play with his kitten then play with his video games!
And I had him figured as a “puppy” sort of a guy.
I dont know what els to say, its been three months and his room is still clean!
Absolutely. I agree with the four points.