Teaching our Children to Respect AnimalsChildren naturally gravitate toward animals. I am constantly enchanted when walking down the street, by the little hands that extend to touch a fuzzy dog or the outstretched arms pointing skyward at tweeting birds.
The park is even more captivating...with ducks gliding and squirrels twirling up tree trunks. There is an indescribable beauty and peace in the activities of animals. They are pure, they are childlike in this way.
Without anthropomorphizing -- there is no need too, animals are a spectacle that is never tiring for children. When we actively teach our children to respect animals we teach them about their place in the larger world. It is not "all about me" -- a lesson that they are constantly taught in the media.
dylan's dolphins http://www.lillunia.com/-ART/Dylan-s-Dolphins-p53.html
It is easy for children to learn the kind of self centered, materialistic lessons that are so abundant in our world these days- but it is just as easy to teach them respect and empathy and the benefits of community. This lesson must start at home (and hopefully be continued in school).
We owe it to our children and our world to raise the best people we can. I know that animals are a part of this lesson. Living with animals myself, I know what they bring to my life and the life of my family.
dereck's deer http://www.lillunia.com/-MODERN-ART/Dereck-s-Deer-p83.html
Start young. It works.
We love this link to the Humane Society. Browse around the site- it has so much to offer for families.
http://www.hsus.org/humane_living/living_in_harmony_with_animals/kind_newstrade_teaching_kids_to_care_about_animals.html
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