Pets
Pets offer unconditional love. Pets can also teach responsibility. Since a pet is a big commitment, and you can't easily give it back, consider whether a pet is right for your child and your whole family.
Expense
Is your family ready for the expense of a pet? That may seem like an odd consideration in a book on parenting a child with special needs. But think about the things you will need to pay for: food, bed, cage, toys, and veterinarian visits. They can add up.
If you have been wishing that you had a little extra cash to buy more easy-reader books for your child who is struggling to read, you may opt not to buy that pet. If you can't pass up the benefit and enjoyment your child will receive from having a pet, borrow those books from the library, and go ahead and get the pet.
Essential
Think too about who will exercise and play with the pet. Will it get enough play time with people? Helping your child play with an animal can offer lots of great conversation starters and opportunities to practice words and sentences without even thinking about it.
Feeding
Someone has to take the time to feed a pet. Feeding the cat or the dog can be a great way to teach your child empathy and responsibility. It can give him a feeling of importance in the family. However, if you are struggling to get people to clear their own plates off the table, adding another mouth to the household may not be a good idea.
My Pet — My Buddy
Many pets are helpful for their owners. Of course, there are specially trained dogs to assist older teens and adults. Some pets are just naturally helpful, even without special training. Rewarding the dog for letting a child who is deaf know that someone is calling is well worth the minimal effort involved.
