TOTW: Pets

We had a great discussion last week on germs. Towards the end of the thread, we got started talking about pets and their cleanliness or lack there of. I’d like this week’s topic to be about pets!

1. Do you have them?
2. What type of or how much interaction do they have with your child(ren)?
3. How do you feel about licking on the mouth?
4. Small scratches and/or bites?
5. Sleeping in the same bed with you or your child(ren)?
6. How do you feel about other people’s pets getting near your child(ren)

I know that is a lot of questions, I just hope that they will spark some discussion.

Last, but certainly not least…….a very sensitive topic, which I anticipate will be something I have to deal with sooner than later, is the death of a pet. How do you explain that to a young child?

My son is so attached to our cat. I think he will be devastated when she is no longer with us and I have no idea how to approach the subject. Do I bring it up ahead of time or wait until she is closer to it? Does anyone have any personal experiences with this? If so, I’d LOVE to hear from you!