Thank you, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own

The holidays are upon us, and the wish lists are flowing in from the little ones. Is one of the items on that list a puppy or kitty? Or have you been thinking of surprising them with a new furry sibling? Owning a pet is a big commitment, and most children have a hard time grasping just how much responsibility goes into raising them simply through explanation. Therefore, I have come up with some ways to expose them to pet ownership and empowering them to understand the impact they are making.

1. Download and read them A Home for Hilly – Hill’s Pet Nutrition recently published a wonderful illustrated children’s e-book that is now available for free download on Amazon. A Home for Hilly follows a puppy on her journey from being hungry, scared and alone in a shelter to finding her forever home where she is loved. This book is terrific for teaching children about care and compassion and what a big role they play in raising a pet. One of the best parts about downloading this book is that for every download, Hill’s will donate a meal to a shelter (up to 10,000 meals). So not only are the kids getting to understand their impact, you are helping a shelter pet in the meantime. Kai LOVED this book and it helped her understand how Olie and Atlas came into our home. She was so proud that we gave them a home and help them feel great.

1. Volunteer at a local pet shelter – This is a great way for them to learn all the various elements that are involved in raising a pet, and most shelters would love the extra help especially around this time of year. Make sure to check with the shelters on volunteer age. Some of the local shelters we have worked with require the child to be a bit older. See the next idea if you have toddlers in the house like we do.

1. Babysit for a friend – Have a friend or relative with a doggy or kitty?  Offer to look after him/her the next time they are away. This gives your child an idea of what it is like to have a pet in the house and what it will be like from day to day as an owner. Now that Kai is almost 4. She has many pet related chores that she cannot wait to do every day. Feeding Olie, giving him and Atlas treats, taking Olie for a walk are on her list. These are some of the things you could practice while pet sitting to give your kiddos a sense of responsibility.

Whether it’s a Christmas puppy and kitty you are welcoming this season, be sure to check out Hill’s Pet for helpful resources and remember to download the free e-book and help give a free meal to a shelter!