Are you wondering if your child is actually ready for a pet or just begging nonstop for a puppy or kitten? In this episode, parenting expert and children’s book creator Dori Durbin joins me to break down the six signs that truly matter before you bring a new pet into your home.
We’re talking emotional control, respecting boundaries, real responsibility, empathy, handling frustration, and how to know if your whole family is truly ready for the commitment. If you’ve ever felt pressured to say yes or you’re trying to avoid a stressful mismatch between kids and pets, this conversation will save you a lot of headaches.
In this episode you’ll learn:
• The emotional regulation skills kids need before getting a pet
• How to teach kids to respect animal boundaries and body language
• What age-appropriate responsibility looks like for pet care
• Why empathy matters for long-term pet care success
• How kids handle frustration when pets don’t cooperate
• How to assess your family’s readiness, routine, and capacity
• What to think about before saying yes to a new dog, cat, or small pet
Want more help deciding if a pet is the right fit?
Find more pet readiness episodes at: https://www.petparenthotline.com
Connect with Dori Durbin:
Website: doridurbin.com
Podcast: That’s Good Parenting
If you found this helpful, tap like, subscribe, and share it with a parent who’s debating the same question.
