How Your Love For Animals Prepares You For Raising Kids

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In This Week’s Newsletter:

• Quote of The Week - “Parenting is about raising and celebrating the child you have, not the child you thought you’d have.” – Brene Brown

• Javaree Talks - Parents & pets

• In the News - Pets a mood-boost for kids?

• Good on Social - Toddler behavior

• Money Moves - Use Monarch to monitor your spending and your networth

JAVAREE TALKS 

Hey, Ready To Dad Crew!

I’m not a pet owner, but I’ve seen firsthand how caring for animals requires patience, consistency, and emotional awareness, which are many of the same qualities that help us raise emotionally intelligent, secure kids.

Raising a puppy, kitten, or even an older rescue means understanding their needs, communicating without words, and providing security. Sound familiar? Many of the same principles that help a pet thrive also shape how we show up as conscious men for our children. Here’s how pet ownership applies to parenting:

🐾 Meeting Needs Over Demanding Perfection – A pet’s behavior often responds to an unmet need, such as hunger, overstimulation, or a lack of exercise. Similarly, kids don’t act out just to be difficult; their behavior is communication. Tantrums, fussiness, and defiance often show they need connection, rest, or reassurance.

🐾 Routine Creates Security – Pets thrive on predictable routines, regular meals, scheduled walks, and a safe space to sleep. Children feel most secure when they know what to expect, whether bedtime rituals, structured transitions, or consistent boundaries.

🐾 Connection Over Control – You don’t build trust with a pet by demanding obedience, but you earn it through patience and positive reinforcement. The same applies to kids. Shame and punishment break trust, while connection, empathy, and guidance create cooperation and respect.

🐾 Patience is the Greatest Teacher – House-training a puppy or teaching a pet to trust takes time. Parenting is no different. Kids learn in phases, and our steady, patient presence helps them regulate emotions, build confidence, and navigate challenges.

If you’re already a parent, how can you apply the patience and emotional awareness you’ve developed in other areas of life, whether with pets, hobbies, or work, to your parenting?

How can you prepare for fatherhood by embracing these same principles if you're expecting?

Even though I don’t have a pet, I see the common threads between nurturing a life, building trust, and guiding with patience—all essential parts of being a dad. At the heart of both is unconditional love, connection, and trust. 🐾👶🏽

IN THE NEWS

Could you pay $10,000 for a pet emergency?

Unexpected vet bills can be a financial burden, with some procedures costing $10,000+. Without coverage, you’d have to cover these expenses out of pocket.

Pet insurance companies can offer up to 90% reimbursement for covered claims, providing peace of mind and protection against expensive medical bills.

Don’t let unexpected vet bills stress you out. Protect your pet and your finances with top-rated pet insurance.

PROTECT YOUR PET

GOOD ON SOCIAL

MONEY MOVES

One of the most important things a dad can do for a family is take control of his finances. Tracking your income, spending, and investments provides peace of mind and relief, setting a strong foundation for your family’s future.

I use Monarch to stay on top of everything. It’s a game-changer for organizing finances, budgeting, and long-term planning. It’s empowered me to create a system that works for my family, and I highly recommend it.

💡 Special offer for my readers: Use my code HERE for 1 free month of Monarch.💡 (Note: I may receive a commission if you join through my link—thanks for supporting the newsletter!)

Q & A CORNER

Reply directly to this email with your question, or use this quick form to submit anonymously. Whether it’s about family routines, connecting with your kids, or managing stress, I’m here to help!

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