Dear Diane,
My children are nagging us to get some pets, but I’m not an animal lover and find the whole thought revolting. I can handle our family cat, and if I didn’t work full time I’d like to have a dog, but my kids are talking about rats, mice, rabbits and guinea pigs. In a desperate moment I offered to compromise by buying a nice aquarium and some tropical fish, but that didn’t impress them at all.
I’ve especially never been a rat or mouse fan and can’t bear to look at their horrible whiskery faces, let alone clean out a cage, as I bet I’d end up doing. And wouldn’t their presence drive the cat wild? All I can remember from my own childhood is that we had white mice as pets for a few weeks, until the smell repulsed my mother and she set them free. What can I do?
Erica, by email
Dear Erica,
There are two ways to tackle this issue. Given your absolute aversion to rodents and rabbits, the simplest is the flat “no” response and take full responsibility for not wishing to have them in the house or on the property. No doubt you will come across some pet lovers who will tell you that you are depriving your children of the affection and responsibility that comes with being a pet owner. Maybe, without sarcasm, you could suggest that they invite your children over regularly to play with their pets.
Alternately, if they are of an age to take responsibility and you are sure you have the nerve to pass the ultimate test, let the children take full ownership of their pets. Put up a written list of responsibilities with dates, times and tick-boxes. The first time the cage is not cleaned or the creature is not fed, the pet goes away for two days (pet shops can have boarding facilities – check ahead). The second time, the pet goes away for a week. The third time, it goes for good.
In your case, I favour a “no” along with setting up as many opportunities for furry animal contact as possible for your children outside your home.
Diane Levy provides expert answers to your parenting queries. Send your questions to: [email protected]. Diane’s parenting books are available in book shops.
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