Choosing a pet is not an easy decision! Not for a family at home, let alone for a childcare center. With regard to allergies and hygiene, many pets are already excluded in advance. Yet the desire for a pet is present in many groups. This is also the case with our group De Kajuit at Het DOK! And then you may think why not choose fishing? Logically! But here we saw little challenge in the age group (7-10 years) (sorry little fish :P).
That's how we got there!
My daughter attends Wellant College. A school known for its 'Green' policy. Here she has the 'Animal' subject, where the children are taught about animals and everything that comes with it. They have, among other things, rodents and reptiles that they are allowed to take care of. Also Skinny Guinea Pigs, guinea pigs without furry fur, which my daughter proudly showed me in a photo. And at that moment, with the wish of a pet on the group in the back of my mind, I knew right away! Love at first sight you can say! Such cuties would be great at the Cabin!
Research shows that pets are not only great fun for children but can also be of added value. By caring for a pet, children develop not only a sense of responsibility but also compassion, which increases the children's empathy. After submitting a well-thought-out proposal to our manager, good consultation with colleagues and clear conditions, we came to an agreement! woohoo..!! The Skinny Guinea Pigs could come.
In the weekend before the Christmas holidays, the two babies were allowed to leave their nest. And with a big smile we picked them up.
With the Christmas holidays approaching, which can be a busy period for a group, we decided to let them get used to my home first, because I was free and could have all the time and attention for them! Lots of cuddling and letting them get used to being held! And they were so sweet, you could immediately notice that they are friendly, social and sociable animals. Lots of squeaking noises and crazy jumps through the cage was daily fare. Did you know that one of those funny jumps is even nicknamed 'Popcornen'?! Because it looks like a corn kernel popping through the pan! Awesome!
It was after the Christmas break. Our babies were allowed to move to their permanent place: the Cabin! We already agreed on their names. We were looking for something that would match 'Kajuit', because this would be the last name of the guinea pigs. And something that would be easy for the kids to remember. That's how we ended up with Kevin & Karel Kajuit!
The parents had already been informed and the children came to ask us enthusiastic questions during the TSO. The curiosity and joy was felt everywhere! What a warm welcome for the babies! That day, they were placed in the Lounge corner of the Cabin with their cage measuring 1.40 m. A corner where the children can lounge/rest/read a book and where they can sit next to the cage to watch the guinea pigs.
The first week we gave the babies as much rest as possible. That week we focused on making clear agreements and drawing up a schedule for the children so that they know on which days they can hold the guinea pigs and help with the care. Awareness among the children of the responsibilities and welfare of the animals was high on the agenda. The care is done together as much as possible with the children because we want to instill a sense of responsibility with the pets. But everything is always done under the watchful eye of an employee. Because we find it very important to always be able to monitor the welfare of the animals. The children listened very carefully and we soon noticed that they wanted to help with everything and also approached each other when something was too busy in the Lounge corner. And how well not only the children, but also the babies did well! The first day Kevin & Karel carefully observed everything from their house and step by step they came to see the children more and more. They maintained their healthy appetites and happily feasted on their favorite vegetable: Paprika!
We are now a few weeks further and we are so proud of Kevin & Karel! We hope to be able to take care of them lovingly for many years to come. But it's all right with love because everyone is crazy about them and they have stolen so many hearts!
Lots of love from Nathalie and an oinkje from Kevin & Karel!
