In a recent engaging video, Sarah Jenkins, a mother and creator of the blog Juggling Life, effectively highlights the distinctions between raising pets and children. Her Facebook page features entertaining clips that delve into various subjects, including parenting, relationships, and the humor found in everyday challenges. One of her latest videos sparks a lively debate around a contentious topic: the differences between pet parenting and human parenting.
When My Friend Claims That Having a Pet is the Same as Having Kids
Titled “When My Friend Claims That Having a Pet is the Same as Having Kids,” the video features Jenkins portraying herself as well as her “friend.” The mom discusses how her kids will likely be restless with the impending rain, to which her friend agrees, albeit referring to her dogs as her “kids.” This sets the stage for Jenkins to clarify why such comparisons simply don’t hold water.
While it might be tempting to contain children when they become too rowdy, doing so is not only impractical but also inappropriate. No parent would consider it acceptable to confine their child in a cage, even if the thought crosses their mind during particularly chaotic moments. Similarly, it’s generally not acceptable to send kids outside to handle their bathroom needs, even if one might occasionally witness a child discreetly using nature as a restroom.
When it comes to mealtime, there have certainly been instances where I’ve thought about just tossing dinner on the floor to keep my little ones entertained—though it often ends up there regardless. Generally, we strive to eat at the table with utensils in hand. And while our instincts might suggest otherwise, we usually allow our kids to sit on the furniture, a luxury not typically afforded to our furry friends.
Jenkins, whose daughter Lily appeared in the video, shared her motivation with Modern Family Blog. “It’s amusing when non-parents jump into discussions offering parenting advice based on their experiences with pets. I thought it would be fun to showcase the differences between caring for dogs and raising children.”
However, not everyone found the humor in her message. “Many viewers misunderstood what I was trying to convey,” she explained. “I’m not saying you can’t love a pet like a child or even consider them a part of the family. I’m merely highlighting the significant differences in the responsibilities involved in caring for each.”
This is precisely the crux of the matter. No one disputes the deep affection a pet owner can feel toward their animal—yet the responsibilities and challenges of raising a child are distinctly different. As someone currently navigating the joys of raising both a puppy and two kids, I found Jenkins’ take to be refreshingly relatable. I adore my dog, but he is not a human, and that’s a reality we must acknowledge.
There’s no need for a rivalry between pet parents and human parents; both perspectives come with their unique joys and frustrations. Ultimately, we all share a common goal: to love and nurture our kids, whether furry or human.
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Summary
In her humorous video, Sarah Jenkins contrasts the experiences of pet parenting and human parenting, clarifying that while love for pets can be profound, the responsibilities of raising a child are significantly different. Through relatable anecdotes, she encourages understanding between pet parents and human parents, ultimately emphasizing shared values in nurturing and care.