Talking to children about animals in entertainment
Monday, June 15, 2009
As children wrap up the last few weeks of school, many families are finalizing their summer plans. Summer camps, local festivals and family vacations are often a great way to spend time together. For some, the summer also includes a trip to the circus but be careful, the entertainment value is not all it’s cracked up to be. Before you purchase your ticket to the circus, think about the performers and talk to your children about them.
The following procedures are from CFHS’ educational curriculum available on this website by clicking here.
Begin your conversation by having your children list animal-based entertainment and sport events. Once the list is completed, talk about how the animals are used for entertainment. Ask yourselves, if the use of animals in entertainment is a luxury or a necessity?
Incorporate into the discussion a talk about the animals’ natural habitat and behaviour and what differences exist between that and their life as an entertainer. It’s important to empathize with the animal’s point of view during this discussion. Continue this talk by developing a set of guidelines for the use of animals in entertainment. And finally, wrap up your talk by discussing the differing opinions people have on acceptable uses of animals.
This summer, make a conscious decision to support animal-free entertainment. Talk to children about animals in entertainment and they will learn the importance of attending animal-free performances
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