DON'T MAKE PETS A CHRISTMAS MORNING SURPRISE
MUNCIE, Ind. -- Giving a puppy or kitten to a child as a Christmas present is not in the best interest of the youngster or the animal, says a Ball State University psychologist.
In fact, bringing a new pet into the family household on Christmas morning could be one of the worst times for both the pet and the household, said Dan Lapsley, an educational psychologist.
"On Christmas morning there is so much activity going on," Lapsley said. "Many families have the whole day planned and there is little time left over for the new pet.
"Many children have lots of toys to play with and quickly spend the day with one or two -- and the puppy may not be the favorite one," he said. "Simply, you don't want a pet to be lost in all that hoopla."
Many parents make a mistake when using a pet as a method to teach a child about responsibility. It is unreasonable for parents to think that a five or six year-old can be able to care for a pet all by themselves, Lapsley said.
"I know parents want a child to learn responsibility but a child that age cannot do it alone," he said.
A child in middle school may be able take better care, but they still need a great deal of guidance and assistance from parents. There must be a partnership between children and parents to make sure that the best interests of the pet are met, Lapsley said.
He advises bringing a pet into the home as a family venture. That way youngsters may learn how to care for the animal by watching their parents or older siblings.
While most children have few problems when a new puppy or kitten joins the family, some youngsters do exhibit signs of jealousy or aggressive behavior.
Lapsley likens the arrival of a new pet to the birth of a sibling -- some children don't like it when a new family member receives most or all of the attention.
He warns that some children may resort to aggressive behavior, trying to harm the pet. Others revert to regressive behaviors by crying for attention, wetting the bed or spilling drinks.
"When you bring a pet home, it is very much like having a child," Lapsley said. "You have to inform and discuss the situation with other family members. You have to talk to siblings about how things are going to change and how the whole family must work together to meet the needs of the pet, just like you would a newborn child."
(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Lapsley by E-mail at [email protected] or by phone at (765) 285-8522. For more stories visit the Ball State University News Center at http://newscenter.bsu.edu on the World Wide Web) 11/23/98
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