I had a proud mommy moment last week when Kay brought home her first school fundraiser. The teacher had explained that they would be selling things from the catalog to raise funds, but had apparently left out that the money would go to the school. "But I want it to go to the animals!" she cried, when she learned the truth.
The fact is, even preschoolers can help animals, whether their own pets or animals in a shelter. With their big hearts and their love of helping (at least sometimes) this is the perfect age to get them started on giving...just because. And in celebration of World Animal Day (October 4), here are some ideas:
~ For shelter animals, they could help collect supplies.
We recently collected blankets and towels for a local cat shelter. You could also ask for toys or food to donate. If the shelter allows it, bring your child with you to drop of the goods. Kay was so proud to walk in with the things she had helped to collect and receive the effusive praise of the staff. Even better, she got to see a couple of the cats that she was helping. Preschoolers can't understand that sending in a check to an organization is helpful; that means nothing to them. But to bring something tangible and see the animals they are helping - that makes an impression.
~ At home, preschoolers can make sure pets have clean water in their bowls. (Expect spills! All for a good cause though, right?) Kay also likes to scoop and pour the dog food into the bowl and dinner time, which is a great time to remind that dogs don't like to be bothered while they're eating.
We recently collected blankets and towels for a local cat shelter. You could also ask for toys or food to donate. If the shelter allows it, bring your child with you to drop of the goods. Kay was so proud to walk in with the things she had helped to collect and receive the effusive praise of the staff. Even better, she got to see a couple of the cats that she was helping. Preschoolers can't understand that sending in a check to an organization is helpful; that means nothing to them. But to bring something tangible and see the animals they are helping - that makes an impression.
~ At home, preschoolers can make sure pets have clean water in their bowls. (Expect spills! All for a good cause though, right?) Kay also likes to scoop and pour the dog food into the bowl and dinner time, which is a great time to remind that dogs don't like to be bothered while they're eating.
~ Play! Animals love to play, kids love to play - it's a perfect match. With any luck, they'll tire each other out!
~ Speak in a kind voice to animals. My grandmother told me when I was little that it didn't really matter what you were saying to an animal, as long as you said it in a calm, caring voice. They don't understand most of the words, but they understand the tone - harsh and angry or soft and loving.
~ Speak in a kind voice to animals. My grandmother told me when I was little that it didn't really matter what you were saying to an animal, as long as you said it in a calm, caring voice. They don't understand most of the words, but they understand the tone - harsh and angry or soft and loving.
~ For both shelter animals or pets, think treats...and toys! Dogs love them both. Make up a batch of dog cookies or make an easy toy. Then bring a couple to a local shelter or rescue or present it to your own or a neighbor's pet. Preschoolers will be proud to see that their own creation brings an animal so much joy!
Whenever kids are going to be spending time around animals, they should learn animal body language. We have dogs, and I've always had dogs, so dogs are what I know. Kay knows that a wagging tail means a happy dog, a play bow means "come play with me" and a growl means "leave me alone right now". It will take many (MANY!) reminders for younger kids to finally grasp this, but they will, and both pet and child will be safer and happier for it.
Check out more ways to celebrate World Animal Day, brought to you by some wonderful bloggers!
First photo by Jason Trommetter. Last photo by Will Murphy.
Both used under a Creative Commons license
