Is a two year old too young to have a pet?

Question

I want to teach my son responsibility.

Answer 1

Having a family pet can be a wonderful thing for a toddler but remember the pet will remain the adults responsibility. While your little one will undoubtedly love helping with the feeding of a pet and (depending on the animal you choose) playing with it the fact is a 2 year old will not be able to attend to all of the animal's needs.

If you do decide to get a pet choose carefully! Make sure that the pet you choose fits your lifestyle.

Answer 2

My daughter got a puppy for Christmas this last year. She was only 2 at the time. Pets are a great way to teach responsibility, but teach it within his age level. A 2 year old can't be expected to housebreak, feed, water, walk, and bathe the dog on their own. If you want a pet and think your family is ready for one (and all the work) then go for it. Make a chart of the daily pet chores that need to be done and every day set aside time for you and your son to do them together. Even if he argues or doesn't feel like doing it, remind him that taking care of the pet is his job. Never leave a child unsupervised with any animal and teach him that just because his pet is nice not all pets are the same and to be careful about petting or picking up strange animals. Introduce them to each other slowly over the first few days, so there isn't jealousy or fear. Good Luck!

Answer 3

At two he won't learn responsibility. Generally lessons like this are only effective after the age of about 4. And most of these experiments result in the parent becoming the primary caretaker of the animal. If the family wants a pet and can share responsibility, then go for it. But if you want to teach you son responsibility, consider assigning him a chore around the house at age 4 or 5. Maybe one where he can get a sticker for doing it (without asking), and a prize if he gets so many stickers.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Yes it's too young. You can have a pet but it will be *your* pet, not your child's. A 2 yr old cannot reasonably be expected to remember to care for an animal and cannot provide an adequate level of care without supervision. Furthermore, most children under age 5 or 6 cannot be expected to safely handle an animal; not because they are cruel but because they are simply physically immature. They don't know their own strength, aren't coordinated, and tend to be jerky in their movements.

You teach a 2 yr old responsibility by setting limits and enforcing them. Teach him to pick up his toys when he's done playing, put his dirty clothes in the laundry hamper or basket, and give him a simple chore like putting silverware or napkins on the table at dinner time. At age 2 you will probably have to supervise even these simple activities. As he gets older you can add more chores.

IMO, most kids aren't ready for the responsibility of a pet until around age 7 or 8 and even then they will need parental supervision and assistance for many pet-related chores (cleaning cages or tanks, grooming, etc).

Answer 5

Yes a two year old is not old enough for a pet. The responsibility will be all yours and to be honest owning a pet is responsibility and that should be something that he or she is taught I agree, but they should be alittle older to begin those lessons I would say at least 5. At the age of 5 I think is the best time to introduce a pet into their lives I think it helps them to adjust to starting school etc. If you get them a pet now all it is teaching them is to play with a new toy and that you have to take care of it for them.

Answer 6

No, but a two year old is too young to be alone unsupervised with a pet. An adult or older sibling will have to be responsible for taking care of the pet and teaching the two year old how to behave with pets.

Answer 7

If you are going to get a two year old a pet, I would get something like a goldfish or a beta fish you will be the one cleaning the tank and adding water, but your child, with your guidance could feed it. You will have to make sure it is an appropriate amount and when. Anything more complicated then that and you will be doing all the work, I would wait until he is at least five.

Answer 8

I think a pet you can keep in a tank is okay. Perhaps a turtle or fish that you can keep high up enough that your son can't crawl into the tank with, but can view. And with a turtle you can take it out and let your son play with it and feed it only with supervision.

Now not only does it depend on the pet, but also on your child's developmental state, not just age. If you feel he's ready to undertand a pet is another living thing that should be regarded with respect, than yes, but only you can judge where he stands mentally.

Answer 9

A two year old?.......I think that's a bit young imo. But if you really want to teach him responsibility that badly, then get him a really low maintenance kind of pet. Besides, I think you'll be the one taking care of the pet the most.lol

Answer 10

I would say no. There are other ways to teach a child responsibility without bringing another form of life into the picture. Pets shouldn't be used, they should be taken care of by someone that already knows how to care, not just learning. That's just my opinion, I'm not trying to be rude.