Pets and toddlers

Development Tips
The importance of story time
Your little one’s development is very important to you, for obvious reasons, so helping them along is key. There are numerous ways to bond with them and teach them little skills in hidden ways. One of those includes storytime...
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Settling & Self Settling
How to create a bedtime routine for your toddler
If there was one thing I miss most about my pre-kid life it’s not having a routine. I miss a routine of no routine. Just doing exactly what I wanted when I wanted...
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Introducing a new member into your family is a huge step. For so long it was just you, your partner, and possibly your furry best friend. Your pet was probably somewhat like a first child (at least in your eyes) and you can’t wait for them to meet your newest family member!
Imagining all of the cuddles, kisses, and playing they will do together warms your heart. Or, on the flip side, maybe you are itching to bring a pet into your family and introduce it to your toddler. You might wonder though, what will life really be like with a toddler and a pet? Well, let’s see…
What are the advantages of having a pet for your child?
Research has shown if you raise a child with a pet, there are multiple benefits. Self-confidence and self-esteem are shown to be boosted around pets. Meanwhile, as they become attached to the relationship, they learn and develop trust. With this comes compassion, empathy, and stronger communication skills. A pet is your best friend and as a kid, they can really help to be a shoulder to lean on, provide responsibility, and teach respect.
Anyone who had one remembers their childhood pet with loving memories. The experience of growing up alongside your sweet companion is incomparable. Positive development has been linked to these connections.
How do I care for a pet with my toddler?
There are few guidelines to stick to when considering your toddler and pet:
- Never leave them alone together. This is the #1 rule with pet-owning. At this age, your toddler hasn’t yet developed the appropriate behaviour and maturity to be alone with your pet.
- Teach your tot to approach your pet with care. Teach them not to approach from behind, rather from the side.
- Let your tot know that when your pet is sleeping they should be mindful and to leave them alone.
- Make sure to buy a baby gate to keep them separate when need be. It can be a good time away when they’ve riled each other up too much.
- Show them the proper ways to care for your pet, especially the gentle way to show affection.
- If it’s a dog, train them to listen to and act on commands
Having a pet in your family is a perfect way to teach some great lessons to your tot. They will learn a whole range of ways to show love and respect. Start picking out which kind of animal will work well for your family and get creative with those names – you’ll be calling it out a lot!
Other Articles

Understanding the most common signs of autism in toddlers
As an autistic mum of a child with autism, I am often asked by other parents, “Do you think my child is on the spectrum?” Typically, parents asking this question may already have some concerns or inklings about their child. The struggle with determining whether your toddler may be autistic/neurodivergent is two-fold: first, many signs of autism appear in typical toddler behaviours and two, we now know that autism presents in a much broader spectrum...
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Signs & Symptoms
Toddlers & ear infections: Here’s what you need to know
Medical concerns with your children can be completely overwhelming, especially when they risk affecting their learning and development. If you have a child who suffers from frequent ear infections, it may be a sign...
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toddler development
Fine Motor Skills For Toddlers | FREE Guide
Understand how fine motor skills develop from baby to toddler. Discover the best ways to nurture your toddlers fine motor skills through play from a young age.
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