I have a 2 year old that loves his new kitten. But he's rough with it, I'm worried he could hurt the kitten. What is the best way to teach him how to be gentle to the kitten?
2006-10-21 10:22:58 · 6 answers · asked by ~Happy Mom~ 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
You have to supervise the child with the kitten. My son is the king of mischief. He sent a kitten flying down the stairs. We showed him that it scared both the kitten and it's mother, and told him that it would hurt him if he was thrown down the stairs, and that it would make us "sad" if he got hurt. Teaching him empathy for others was the key. He instantly understood. Hold the kitten yourself for a while, then, when he's learned how to be gentle and loving with the kitten, allow him to help you hold the kitten.
2006-10-23 01:58:13 · answer #1 · answered by Hot Momma 83 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First I suggest having the kitten declawed if the kitten is going to be around small children. The only way to teach a child how to behave with animals is to be present at all times the child is with the animal, and to pay attention to how the child treats the animal. If this can't be done then maybe the kitten was a bad idea.
2006-10-24 12:05:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just say to him "Be gentle. He's just a baby kitty." Teach him that the kitten is very small and can get hurt if he's too rough with it.
2006-10-21 17:30:43 · answer #3 · answered by CelebrateMeHome 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Toddlers just don't get it when it comes to inflicting pain on others. If you let him play with the kitten do so only when someone can closely supervise and be an example of kindness and tenderness. Both to your son and to the kitten.
He will learn to be a tender,caring person in time if that is the model that is set for him.
2006-10-21 17:28:35 · answer #4 · answered by Puzzler 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When he is rough with it smack his F'n hand. Do NOT let him hold the kitten. You should always be the one to hold the kitten and continuously demonstrate the correct nice way to pet a kitten.
Man, I love petting kittens.
2006-10-21 17:27:44 · answer #5 · answered by cannon1977 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Take his hand and help him pat the kitten gently and say "easy" kwim
2006-10-21 20:19:31 · answer #6 · answered by ♥Jenn♥ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋