How to Discipline Children When They're Being Rough With Animals

Kids and animals can make an interesting team, sharing a tight bond of love and devotion. Occasionally, you may encounter a child who does not understand correct boundaries and limits in the humane treatment of animals. If your child is too rough with an animal, it's time to teach him the proper way to respect and love a furry friend.

Instructions

    • 1

      Stop your child from her rough mistreatment of the animal immediately upon discovering it. Call your child's name or move yourself between your child and the animal to interrupt the behavior.

    • 2

      Explain the problem with your child's actions, advises psychologist and author Joni E. Johnston, with the Psychology Today website. Assume that your child does not understand that animals have physical feelings, just like people do. You might say, "I know the puppy looks like a stufffed toy, but he feels pain just like you do. You must not hurt him."

    • 3

      Watch your child around the animal after you have seen possible aggressive behavior. Do not leave the child and the animal unattended together to prevent a situation that involves your child hurting the animal.

    • 4

      Intervene again if you see additional aggressive behavior from your child. You might place your child into time out -- one minute per age -- or take away a privilege as a consequence for aggressive behavior, advises social worker Janet Lehman, with the Empowering Parents website. Consequences show your child that you will not allow her to play roughly with the animal.

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