Several months back, I encountered a blog by a mother who was frustrated with the common comparison between raising children and caring for pets. The tone of her article conveyed annoyance, and it made me reflect on society’s tendency to be offended over trivial matters. Yet, I found myself agreeing with her sentiment.
Fast forward to now, and I’m the delighted “Mommy” to an 11-pound, 10-year-old rescue dog. Since he became part of our family, I’ve noticed several striking parallels between his care and raising my two boys, ages 10 and 6. Whether I’m managing a lively household or just a pack of furry companions, it seems there are more similarities than I initially thought.
I Find Myself Speaking in Third Person.
For years, my kids have known me as “Mommy,” but I never expected to address myself in the same way while talking to my dog. Referring to my boyfriend as “Daddy” and my mother as “Grandma” for the sake of our pup’s understanding? It’s a strange but amusing realization.
Controlling Bathroom Breaks.
I’ve often said to both my kids and the dog, “We don’t pee in people’s yards!” And guess what? They all tend to ignore me. At least with my dog on a leash, I can somewhat direct him away from trouble. The judgmental looks from neighbors can be equally painful, whether it’s a child or a dog making a mess.
The Fear of Poop.
During one walk, we ran out of poop bags—yes, I’m that responsible dog owner. The panic I felt was akin to discovering I had used the last diaper in the bag, with no store in sight.
Leashes Are a Blessing.
I’ll admit, I never used a harness or leash for my kids, but now I see the benefits for my dog. He stays right at the end of his leash, eliminating my worries about him wandering off. Oh, how I wish I had that option with my boys when they were younger!
Parks Are Universal.
My dog has his dog park, while my kids have their playground. Initially, there’s always some resistance to going—who knows what Mom is planning? But once we arrive, everyone is having fun, and I can enjoy a few moments on my phone.
Aim Isn’t Their Strong Suit.
While I haven’t monitored my kids in the bathroom for years, I’ve seen my dog’s struggles firsthand. It seems none of them have mastered the art of aiming, leading to some messy situations.
Love Changes Perspectives on Grossness.
I’ve been peed on, encountered vomit, and even retrieved items from my children’s mouths. It’s all gross, but love keeps me from losing my mind over it—so far, no one has been banished outside yet!
Bribery Works Wonders.
“Be a good boy, and Mommy will give you a treat!”—whether I’m talking to the dog or my kids is sometimes a mystery. The effectiveness is what truly matters!
Late Sleepers Unite.
Mornings are a struggle in our house, with no one ready to move until after eight. This certainly makes weekday school preparations a challenge, but those lazy weekend mornings with a dog who refuses to budge until dawn? Pure bliss.
While I don’t believe my dog is a substitute for a baby—though dressing him in cute sweaters is fun—I can’t deny that there are undeniable similarities in the responsibilities of caring for both.
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Summary
In conclusion, owning a dog can mirror the experience of raising children in several ways, from the humorous to the challenging. Whether it’s learning to communicate in new ways, managing bathroom breaks, or simply enjoying the moments of joy and chaos, the parallels are undeniably present.