Pets. Our furry, scaly, and feathered friends. Did you have a pet growing up that you were responsible for, or were you not allowed to but always wanted one? In today's Yay or Nay episode, we're discussing the joys and challenges of owning a pet while raising young children.

Key takeaways:

• Lessons it teaches our kids: Having a pet teaches kids about loyalty, routine, and responsibility, which are invaluable qualities to have. Pets also help children develop empathy, patience, and a sense of accountability.
• Start small: If you want to introduce these lessons but can't commit to a larger pet, consider starting small. A fish, rabbit or fostering a pet can be a great way to ease into pet ownership and teach these important life skills.
• Coping with loss: Owning a pet inevitably involves loss. Teaching kids about loss, grief, and sadness through the lifecycle of a pet is a delicate but essential life lesson.
• Understanding what it takes to own a pet: Beyond the financial cost, owning a pet requires significant time, effort, and patience. The mess and care involved can be overwhelming, and it's important to recognise that getting a pet might not be the best option for every family. Assessing your family's readiness and commitment is crucial before bringing a pet into your home.

What we discussed:
00:24 Intro
00:50 Are we a yay or nay?
01:02 Pets in our childhood
02:33 The downside and alternatives
04:13 Burden vs gain
08:15 Getting comfortable with mess
11:36 Starting small
12:16 Dealing with the loss of a pet
15:25 Pets vs food
19:05 Outro

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With love,

Nhi & Dee

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