One of the best ways to establish a bonding relationship with children is through pet ownership.
Allowing a child to have a pet that they must care for on their own. Teaches them to be responsible. It teaches them how to nurture and to provide all the things the pet needs to survive and be healthy.

As they learn to nurture a pet. You will see them beginning to care emotionally for the pet. This is the first step to learning to bond. The comfort and compassion they begin to show the pet and they also get back from the pet. Will teach them that it is ok to trust and love something.

Due to the fact that Foster and or Adopted children have been through so much loss in their young lives.
I try to encourage parents to choose a dog or cat or a pet that will not have a short life span like a fish or bird or hamster. You do not want your child to bond with the pet and all of a sudden loose the pet to death. That just reinforces the negativity of bonding and loss.

It is also very important to allow the child to choose the pet when ever possible. Talk about it.
Go shopping around for the perfect pet. Choose a pet that will adapt easily to your living space.
It is even a positive thing to allow the child to sleep with the pet in their room if at all possible.
It builds a secure bond between child and pet.

If allowing the pet to sleep in the child's room is out of the question. Allow the child time to put the pet to bed each night and teach them to make sure the pet is well cared for and has fresh water and food and something comfy to sleep on. This will help the child know their beloved pet is safe at night without them.

There are some things that you must watch for. If a child has a pet and they mistreat the pet. Then your child may need some counseling and you may wish to get rid of the pet or keep it safe from the child
until you know the child is not harming the pet on purpose.

Training a pet is a process of learning also. Pets need a lot of love and attention. Pet ownership is one of the best experiences on earth for a child. Just as long as you pick the correct pet for the child's best interests. Happy pet shopping !