ADHD Kids and Pets

Posted by Lynn Moore Oct 21, 2007

As a parent, you may be thinking that one more thing to juggle on the schedule is the last thing you need to do. Having a pet, though, offers lots of perks for the family with an ADHD child.

Pets need schedules – for feeding, walking, and bathing. Having a consistent, simple pet care schedule can teach the child with ADHD to plan ahead and be responsible. This can carry over to other household chores and homework responsibilities. Schedules are vital for the success of kids with ADHD.

Pets need someone to play with them and some (dogs) need to be walked. Sometimes, the extra energy in these tasks is just want the doctor ordered. Kids with ADHD can use up energy and take care of the dog. Settling in for homework or accepting bedtime is much easier.

Pets offer unconditional love. They are great listeners, and at the end of a challenging day everyone needs a best friend to confide in. Read more about the health benefits of having a pet.

Truly, pets are not for every child or every family. They are a responsibility, and they do cost money. Consider these tips from the Humane Society before making this decision for your family.

If you decide that something large (like a dog or cat) is not going to work, you may consider something smaller. Hamsters, for example, are entertaining, require minimal care, and do not have to be walked. The ultimate calming pet, of course, is a fish. . . It may be just what everyone needs to watch as they unwind from the day’s stress.