Why Parents Should Treat Their Kids like Dogs

Jaipi Sixbear

Yes, I'm serious. Admit it. Some parents treat their dogs better than their kids. How so? Your pets don't have a care in the world. You make sure they have everything they need to grow strong and healthy. You want them to be around for as long as possible. You spoil them rotten. I'm not saying you should spoil your kids. Still, you could at least extend them the same courtesy as your pets.

Consider this:

Do you give your kids the best food available? Your dog gets the finest dog food money can buy. Nothing is too good for Fido. Yet, you have a cupboard full of empty calorie foods for you and your children. Healthy food is too expensive for your budget? How about those doctor bills? They're pretty pricey aren't they? Cookies, chips and candy are pretty expensive too. Kids who eat well do better in school, are sick less often and live longer. Surely you want your kids to live longer than the family dog.

When was the last time you took your kids for a walk? You faithfully leash Fido up and take him for walks several times a day. He needs his exercise. What about your kids? Do they go with you? Kids need fresh air and sunshine to survive, just like Fido. Turn off the TV and the video games. Drag your child away from facebook. Get them out in the world for a daily walk. They're literally dying for some exercise.

Do you give your kids a treat once a day? Your dog gets one. In fact, Fido demands you give him treats at the appropriate time. He won't let you forget it. So, next time you're watching the news and one of your kids interrupts you, don't get angry. It's just a sign they need your attention. Don't always use food as treats, either. Your kids need your love and attention. You wouldn't deprive your dog. Why do you treat your kids less often than you treat Fido?

Do you play catch with your kids? Every day you're out in the yard indulging your dog with a game of catch. When was the last time you played anything with your kids? It's easy to get caught up in daily routines and obligations. Sometimes parents need to remind themselves to stop and have fun with the kids. It's good for you and it makes them feel wanted. Make your kids as big a priority as your pets. Play a game with them daily.

Do you discipline your kids with violence? Why is it wrong to hit your dog, but acceptable to hit your child? Parents should really stop and think before using spanking as punishment. If you feel bad for hitting your dog on the behind, you should feel equally bad for spanking your child. There are better ways to teach them life lessons. You bought a book on training your dog humanely. How about buying one on parenting your child without violence?

More from Jaipi:

How Well Do You Know Your Kids?

Does Good Parenting or Heredity Matter More?

Giving Kids Choices: Good Strategy or Bad Decision?



Published by Jaipi Sixbear - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

This award winning web writer is co-owner of several writing websites. She's a featured parenting contributor on Yahoo! Shine and Yahoo! Voices. She enjoys helping fellow writers maintain a positive mindset...  View profile

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