Skip to main content

One Simple Step To Raising A Kind Child

                TEACH BY EXAMPLE

              When you teach a child to be kind to animals, you help pave the way to a brighter future for all living beings. Animals benefit because the next generation has learned to treat them with respect and compassion, reducing instances of animal cruelty. Children benefit because learning about compassion and empathy early in life builds moral character, reduces violence, and builds a sense of empowerment and responsibility. And society as a whole benefits when its members are more caring towards each other and the animals who live among us.
Unfortunately, not all children are taught to be kind to animals. This gap may lead them to tease animals or otherwise disregard their feelings; in the worst cases, it can lead to acts of animal cruelty.
Animal cruelty is a heinous act punishable by law in every state, but in recent years, there has been increasing recognition of the link between animal cruelty and violence to other humans as well. For instance, it's often the case that children who commit animal cruelty have witnessed or been victims of abuse themselves: In roughly one-third of families suffering from domestic abuse, at least one child has hurt or killed a pet, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
Sadly, violence begets more violence, and those who start off abusing animals often end up abusing people too. People who deliberately abuse animals are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people, four times more likely to commit property crimes, and three times more likely to have a record for drug abuse or disorderly conduct than those who don't, according to a study by American Humane. In fact, the FBI reportedly even uses reports of animal cruelty to assess the potential threat posed by suspected and known violent criminals.
One solution to ending the violence is humane education, which has recently begun to be widely recognized as an essential part of childhood education. By reaching children early in life, and focusing on instilling respect and compassion for animals, the goal is to stop potential abusers before they start.
So far, the results are encouraging: The vast majority of teachers participating in the Humane Society's humane education program say that it has increased their students' concern about animal welfare. And there are other humane education programs as well. But even if you're not a teacher, there are many things you can do to help teach children to be kind to animals. The lessons they learn will last a lifetime.

           HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
  • Teach by example! Children learn much of what they know by watching those around them, so one of the best ways to teach children is by showing them that you care about animals. Take good care of your pets, including spaying and neutering them; involve children in building bird houses or walking shelter dogs. Speak out when you see animals being mistreated, and encourage children to do the same.
  • Volunteer to visit a classroom, club or other group of children and talk to kids about kindness to animals. Many local animal shelters and humane societies already have programs in place for humane education, so it's a good idea to start by talking to them first. (To find an animal shelter, you can enter your ZIP code at Pets911.)
  • Ideas and educational materials for teaching kids to be kind to animals are also available from:





Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Broken Hearts: An Anti-Bullying Campaign

  Today, I want to talk about a topic that has been, well, talked about a lot-- Bullying! Bullying is never okay. In any form and to any living being. It is NEVER okay. We know this, as adults. But, do we really follow what our heart is telling us to do? Do we help others when they are being picked on or laughed at, or cyber bullied? Do we teach our children that we should never bully others, and to stand up to a bully, even if it means telling an adult? I had an experience with London being bullied at the start of the school year in her new school. This had never happed before, and let me tell you,  I was furious! London immediately told me when I picked her up from school that day, and my husband and I talked with her teacher that evening. And we talked about how it made her feel, and how wrong those two girls were for doing that to her. Her amazing teacher, to her credit, handled the situation rapidly and with the concern and anger of, not only a teacher,...

Frozen Hearts, Forgotten Lives: The Peril Of Pets In Winter

  Keeping Your Pets Safe: Why They Belong Inside During Freezing Weather When temperatures drop, your pets rely on you to protect them from the cold. Leaving them outside in freezing conditions is not only dangerous for their health—it can also lead to serious legal consequences. Here’s why keeping your pets indoors during winter isn’t just a kindness; it’s a responsibility. 1. Freezing Temperatures Are Life-Threatening Dogs and cats are susceptible to frostbite, hypothermia, and other cold-related injuries. Contrary to popular belief, fur is not enough to keep them warm. Frostbite can damage their ears, tails, and paws, while hypothermia can cause their organs to shut down. Even hardy breeds like Huskies need proper shelter and care to survive extreme conditions. 2. IT'S THE LAW In many states and cities, it’s illegal to leave pets outside in extreme weather. If a neighbor sees your dog or cat left in the cold, they can—and often will—call animal control, the Humane Society, or ev...

Why Empathy for Animals Builds a Kinder World: A Parent’s Guide to Teaching Compassion

  Why Empathy for Animals Builds a Kinder World: A Parent’s Guide to Teaching Compassion Empathy is a cornerstone of a kinder, more understanding world. As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the ability to see and respect the emotions of others. While teaching empathy can sometimes feel abstract, animals provide a natural, relatable way to help children develop this vital skill. From the loyal wag of a dog’s tail to the cautious flutter of a bird’s wings, animals communicate feelings in ways even the youngest children can understand. By fostering empathy for animals, we open the door for our children to expand their compassion to people and the world around them. In this post, we’ll explore why empathy for animals matters, how it translates to kindness in broader contexts, and simple, parent-friendly activities to nurture this value at home. Why Empathy for Animals Matters Children often form strong, emotional bonds with animals, whether it’s the family ...