Feed the Ducks and Geese. Engage with dogs and cats.

Children need to respect, connect and explore with all living creatures by allowing them to understand the body language of other animals. Animals are not capable of speaking but they do give clear signs that say, “I’m about to attack. I’m scared. I’m hungry. I’m friendly.”If a child understands the body language of a dog and or a cat by having a pet, they will also intuitively start to read body language signs of human beings and understand the dangers of other animals or even other adults. Children are very intuitive and rely more on senses than communication. This can be enhanced by putting animals into the mix. When we go feed the ducks I always tell my son to be aware of their body language when we have food. They are coming with confidence because they know they are about to be fed. However, they are also animals and we need to respect their space, their strength and what it is that they want, so do not tease them and give them the food at a distance.

It is the same thing with the ducks. They may fight with each other over the food that we are giving them, as they are in survival mode. Do not give them the opportunity to fight you for the food. I always point out the behavior of the animals.

When a child meets a dog for the first time, instruct the child to show the dog the backside of their hand. This creates a non-threatening environment for the dog to connect. It shows that the child respects the dog. Once the dog’s body language says okay, then the child can pet it.

It is no different in human behavior. Approach people in a non-threatening way and you will get the same reciprocation.

If a child can understand animal behavior, the child will inherently bring that same subconscious understanding into their human behavior. The way your child treats animals will probably be the same way they treat their human interactions.

Having said that...It is very important that you teach your child to respect animals at a high-level.