Mistreating Pets

Hurting Pets

• The rule

  "Don't hurt your pet, because animals feel pain and sadness just like people." (Sometimes preschoolers are unduly rough with pets because they equate them with toys.)

• Discipline technique

  Verbal disapproval followed by time-out.

• Praise

  Praise your child for playing gently with a pet.

• Model

  Treat animals gently.

Not Feeding Pets

• The rule

  "Pets must be fed or they will starve."

• Discipline technique

  Give an "I" message, such as, "I really feel sorry for Charlie when you don't feed him." In addition, help your child come up with a reminder system, such as a small note on his mirror to help him remember to feed the pet. Sometimes delaying a privilege and linking it with the chore can be helpful (e.g., "No dinner for you until Charlie's been fed").

• Praise

  Praise your child for feeding the pet in a timely manner.

• Model

  Feed your child in a timely manner.

Written by B.D. Schmitt, MD, author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.