Did getting a dog help?

[Birdie379]

DS is 10. We’ve had a lovely summer. I’m very lucky to have a decent sized pool of friends who’s kids DS plays with. DS also has a small handful of friends that I can call on for company. However, I do all the organisation. I plan something with someone every day and for the days it’s just the 2 of us we do something like cinema or baking/film at home/gaming etc.

I think I’ve got 1 summer like this left and then once they hit secondary school you have to take a back seat and let them plan their own social life.

I’m wondering if getting a dog would help during the teen years. Would it encourage DS to get out and about (with or without me).

Any experience?

[Mummyshark2018]

Don't know if it helps during teenage years but we have dc7 and got a dog 2 years ago. One if best decisions we've made. My dc loves the dog, calls him her furry brother.

[Raphael34]

If you’re getting a dog, make sure you’re getting it because you want it. There was a post on here yesterday by some twat getting rid of a dog she’d bought her daughter because her daughter didn’t bother with it. As long as you’re willing to take responsibility for it, I think it’s a great idea. We’ve always had a family dog and my kids adore them. We could never be without a dog

[Happygilmorelove]

I'd say it helps a bit yeah..my dd12 (not exactly an only but might as well be as 9 year gap between my kids!) She takes the dog out with her friends to coffee shops/parks etc, and likes to cuddle him in bed too. She loves him to bits.

[Happygilmorelove]

In saying that it's me that does the day to day walks and feeding etc she is very lazy since hitting puberty!