Getting a pet can be exciting for the whole family – and a whole new set of responsibilities. Here are tips to help you adapt the conversation so your preschooler, preteen, or teenager gains money skills from the conversation that can help them later.
In addition to what you need to do to care for your new pet, you need to prepare for any changes in your family’s money situation. Here are a few tips on having a successful conversation.
Some topics may be sensitive for your family. Keep in mind that children absorb much more than the words you say – they’re aware of your moods and attitudes, too. Start a conversation when you sense it can be productive and comfortable.
For young children – ages 3-5
Below are ideas for how to approach a conversation. For young children, conversations don’t always need to be about dollars and cents – instead, you can help them build the self-control, planning, and problem-solving skills they’ll need as adults. You can also try to work into the conversation other skills your young child can work on, like practicing counting, waiting for what they want, thinking flexibly, and staying focused.
Problem-solving
Ask your child to imagine they’re the new pet. Talk about what they’ll need on a daily basis, like food and water. Talk about the things the family might get for the pet – food and water dishes, toys, or other gear – and divide them into things the pet needs, and extra things.
Goal setting
Your child might want to save up to buy something for the pet. Help your child set up a goal and take steps to reach it, a little at a time.
For school-age children to preteens – ages 6-12
Below are ideas for approaching a conversation. For young children, conversations don’t always need to be about dollars and cents – instead, you can help them build the self-control, planning, and problem-solving skills they’ll need as adults. You can also try to incorporate other ideas for your child into the conversation, like practicing counting, waiting for what they want, thinking flexibly, and staying focused.
Building habits
Set up a habit for your preteen to take care of the pet as an example of how habits can make behaviors automatic. For example, they could remember to set out food for the pet at the same time as the family’s meal.
Reinforcing values
Talk about the ways having a pet reinforces the values in your home, whatever those might be. Pet owners have many different reasons for caring for an animal, and your family’s reasons in your family can guide decisions about pet care routines – and spending.
For teenagers and young adults – ages 13+
Below are ideas for approaching a conversation. You can also try to incorporate other ways your teenager can practice money skills, like doing their own research, comparison, and decision-making.
Comparison shopping
Enlist your teenager’s research skills. Pet food comes in many varieties, and your teenager can help you gather information from stores or shopping websites and compare them in terms of nutrition, cost, and other factors. Your teen can research and choose a vet or help estimate the cost of food and care for a pet like yours over time.
Career planning
See if your teenager is interested in jobs related to the pet care industry – animal shelters, pet stores, veterinarians, training, daycare, animal talent agencies – the list is long. Even if your teenager isn’t drawn to these jobs, it can be good practice to research different ways people prepare for and develop careers.