AboutLeslie Truex Expertise I am a parent of two, but also I'm a social worker with over 15 year experience working with children and families. I can provide many tips and techniques to help with child behavior, interventions for specific behavioral issues, ideas to help children through difficult times such as divorce or grief, hints on keeping the family running smoothly, and tips for developing confident, happy children.
Experience I have a master's in social work and over 15 years experience working with children and families. I have worked in schools, public health, mental health and adoption agencies providing parent education courses and children's groups.
Expert: Leslie Truex Date: 6/19/2008 Subject: animals and children
Question I've overloaded myself with animals - 4 dogs, cat, 4 birds, and 8 sugar gliders. I can't afford them now, and the house is never anything but a mess because of housetraining issues. I realize it was my fault to take on all these animals, but I somehow need to get myself out of this mess. Whenever I mention putting three of the dogs up for adoption, my 7 year old freaks out. (We've had the dogs for years). I'm at my wits end. I need to be able to provide a nice place for my child to live, but the animals are just too much (I'm going to college full time and work) What to do?
Answer Hi Barbara,
This is a difficult situation for your son and I'm sure for you as well. Pets are members of the family and it can be hard to say goodbye.
It might help to know what you mean by "freak out". Does he just get upset and cry or is it something else?
In the end, its likely going to be hard no matter what. The key is to stay open and honest. You don't want your child thinking you'll end up without any money, but its okay to say that you can afford the dogs. Let him know that you'll work to find a home with people who love them as much as he does.
It is possible that your son will wonder what you'll do with him if money stays tight. Children sometimes have strange thinking patterns. So you'll want to be sure that he doesn't get the impression that he could be put up for adoption and that if he does, you let him know that that's not the case.
Consider getting some children's books on loss and grief as it will help you help him cope and work through the loss.
Sometimes in life there are hard choices that are difficult to accept. This may be one of them.
